BARRY children's play time will never be the same again, thanks to a massive cash boost from the National Lottery.

Victoria Park in Cadoxton has received backing from the Heritage Fund for a £1.25 million refurbishment programme.

The project, if successful, will transform the almost derelict grounds and provide youngsters with a play area which will be the envy of the whole town.

A decision has been made to award a Stage One Pass to the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The council will now be able to further develop its application for the full amount to carry out much-needed repairs. It will focus on the children's site, the tennis courts and bowling pavilion.

And, while a Stage One Pass does not guarantee the applicant will be awarded a grant, it is a positive indication that as long as the project is developed further along agreed lines, it is likely to receive support.

The park was built during the late Victorian and Edwardian passion for creating public places in the towns and cities of South Wales.

While much of the original layout and structures have survived, the council's plans focus on restoring some of the park's features that have been lost.

It is rumoured the plans are to remove inappropriate or modern applications in an effort to retrieve its historic character.

Access would also be improved, especially for disabled people.

Vale of Glamorgan council leader Jeff James has welcomed the Stage One backing as "an important step towards providing a tremendous boost for the area."

He told the News: "We are very confident the project will get the green light from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Urban Parks programme and are certain the restoration proposals will secure public use and enjoyment of this important landmark in Cadoxton for many years to come."

It is thought that the total cost to restore the park will be around £1.6 million.

With the Lottery grant of £1.25 million, the remaining money will be met by the council and Barry Action, the Joint Venture Partnership involving the local authority and the Welsh Development Agency.

If the grant is successful, the money will be spent on a purpose-built managers office, reconstruction of the bandstand, plinth and steps in accordance with the original design, a new sports multi-court, refurbishment of the children's play area and bowls pavilion and shelter. There are also plans for new lighting and signs.