A TRIO of Barry train stations are set to benefit from a massive £85,000 cash boost from the National Assembly.

Barry Dock, Cadoxton and Barry Island will all receive funding in a bid to improve safety and make the sites more attractive.

Environment Minister Sue Essex announced the cash package this week.

She said: "The whole experience of travelling by train starts and finishes with the station and it is vital that passengers feel safe and comfortable while they wait. This funding will improve essential facilities such as waiting rooms and shelters and better passenger safety will be tackled through CCTV and lighting."

She confirmed that Barry Dock and Cadoxton stations are both due to have £15,000 each spent on painting the subway, installing secure lighting and CCTV.

And Barry Island will have £55,000 to provide a new waiting shelter and 'real time' train information - an electronic time table.

Welcoming the news, Jane Hutt said: "The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to making our public transport system safer, more passenger friendly and more effective."

But regular train user Daniella Attanasio from Pontypridd Road is not convinced those measures will help.

The 18-year-old is in the process of starting up her own business as a mobile nail technician. She uses Barry Island station when she travels into Cardiff. She said: "It's all very well having CCTV, but what's the use having someone watch while you're attacked? You need a presence on the platforms. That young girl in London was caught on her bus's CCTV, just moments before someone killed her with a hammer.

"Having a shelter will make it more pleasant while waiting for a train, but I will never stand on a station on my own, and I will never use the subways - even during the day. Lighting will make little difference."