AFTER more than four years of closure a previously 'well-used' route has re-opened.

The Clive Road steps were a traditional way of walking from Barry Island to the centre of Barry, but they were closed in August 2016 to allow the South Haven development on the Waterfront below.

Last August (2020) councillors and members of the public called for the steps to be re-opened, with a spokesman for Vale of Glamorgan stating that the coronavirus pandemic had caused delays.

The Clive Road steps have now been re-opened.

The re-opening of the steps will make it more convenient for Island residents to travel by foot to the Waterfront and Barry town centre. It also offers Waterfront residents a route to Barry Island Primary School and an alternative route to the beaches.

Plaid Cymru Councillor Steffan Wiliam, who lives on Barry Island, said: “Last summer, local Plaid Cymru councillors complained that the steps had been shut for four years while Waterfront construction works took place.

“This is a well-used route that means Island residents can get to the Waterfront and town centre on foot, and its closure had cut off the Island from the rest of the town.

“This also brings communities on the Waterfront and Barry Island closer together, making it easier for pupils to walk to Barry Island Primary School or to the new Ysgol Sant Baruc, when that opens next year on the Waterfront.”

Cllr Nic Hodges added: “Although the steps access can’t be used by everybody, it is an extra opportunity for people to walk and run to Barry Island, and we saw many people getting their daily exercise, either walking or jogging to the Island when we visited the site on the weekend.

“Unfortunately, there needs to be a litter pick of the area to deal with fly-tipping and general rubbish. We have asked the council to tidy the area.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns also welcomed the news and said: “At long last residents on Barry Island and the Waterfront can walk directly to the shops - either way!

“This has been a major problem for so many people for so long and I am delighted that it has finally opened.

“Local residents have been more than patient. This is another positive step for Barry!”

What are your thoughts on the Clive Road steps re-opening?

Let us know in the comments or e-mail barrynews@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk