Levelling up funding concern for Barry in 'implementation'

On November 20, the UK Government awarded seven projects in Wales grants totalling £111 million to support long-term regeneration, which included Port Talbot, Rhyl and Powys along with Barry, which received £20 million.

Vale MP, Conservative Alun Cairns, described it as a “game changer” while Vale Council leader, Labour’s Lis Burnett, spoke in glowing terms of the funding.

However, questions have arisen around the announcement's timing.

Waterfront resident and Plaid Cymru councillor Mark Hooper expressed scepticism about the funding, questioning its practical implementation.

Cllr Hooper said: "I'm cautious about accepting the marketing hype and political slogans around the funding announcement.

"I have concerns about the practical implementation of the funding within the tight deadlines and its benefit for the local community.

“The project's progress may well be influenced by political timetables and agendas, particularly in the context of the coming General Election.”

The plans aim to provide a water sports centre at Barry Waterfront and a marina, along with a new park.

It will also see the creation of new business space for the town and further investment into the town’s active travel network in the area.

Mr Cairns insisted local people will benefit from the investment.

“It's a game-changer for Barry," said Mr Cairns. "It will help attract better investments and jobs and will change the way people see the town."

However, Cllr Hooper is unsure, saying he doesn’t want to see the site end up as a development with no facilities.

"The financial troubles experienced by various marinas across Wales and in neighbouring areas shows the need for careful consideration and scrutiny of the new project.

"That's why I'm concerned that a landmark site in Barry will end up as another housing estate with no facilities, and the Vale scrapping about it after the event, as we have already seen with the wider Waterfront development.”

Cllr Hooper of Plaid Cymru has questions about the plan for a marina in Barry (Image: Newsquest)

£20m has been earmarked to develop a marina round what's known as The Mole in Barry (Image: Google Maps)

Cllr Hooper added: "The allocation of public funding to Associated British Ports (ABP) also raises important questions about the use of limited public funds and who really stands to benefit most from the development.

"The Vale Council must critically assess the situation and ensure that the promised funding translates into tangible benefits for the people of Barry.”

What do you think of the plans for the Waterfront? Great news for Barry? Will it happen? What would you have spent £20m on in Barry? Let us know in the comments, on our Facebook page, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.