BARRY has suffered a bitter blow this week after Argos confirmed its ambitious plans to set up in the town have been shelved.

The major superstore has put the move on hold following a re-assessment of its business needs.

Despite a rolling programme by Argos to open more stores around the country, the chain has halted the Barry move as it feels the area already has enough of its shops.

The firm already has a popular 'extra' store in Cardiff Bay, as well as its well-established city centre site.

But an Argos spokesman stressed the ban may be temporary and is based purely on commercial factors.

She said: "Because of business needs in the Cardiff area, we have decided not to go ahead at this moment.

"We are keeping the matter under review and with plans to open 35 stores around the country every year for the next three years, we are always looking for sites to move into.

"We understand people will be disappointed, but we are not ruling out coming to Barry in the future."

Morrisons, which was instrumental in initially bringing Argos to Barry, also cited business reasons for the U-turn.

Its spokesman said: "There has been no falling out with Argos, which has decided for its own business reasons to pull out, but may be looking at the site again.

"We have other parties showing interest in the site, but we cannot reveal who they are. If Argos wants to return, it will be considered with everybody else."

But whilst the Argos delay may be seen as a setback, other ambitious plans have been revealed this week which may soften the blow.

Home improvement store Focus Do It All has confirmed it is still coming to Barry and Halfords has revealed it is opening a unit covering 6,000 square feet opposite Morrisons.

And plans for a hotel, community hall and a health centre for King Square have been unveiled as part of the Holton Reach scheme.

The project will be close to a crucial footbridge that will link the town centre and the Waterfront from Thompson Street.

The main part of the development will be houses and flats.

But the blueprint, which has been agreed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's cabinet, includes a wide range of facilities for residents and visitors.

The proposal for the 13-acre site mentions a hotel or motel, a crche or day nursery, local shops, a health centre with a pharmacy and a community hall.

Vale planners have added the stipulation that 30 percent of the housing on the site should be "affordable" to attract first-time buyers and people with modest incomes.

The brief will now be made available to developers who will have to meet its requirements in any plans they draw up for the site.

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