Column by Rt Hon Alun MP for the Barry & District News:
On Saturday morning, following last week’s events in Westminster, I held another Public Meeting on Brexit to update Vale residents on where we are in the process of Leaving. I would like to thank everyone who attended and for the respectful manner in which it was conducted. There is naturally a lot of strong feeling about Brexit and as your representative I will continue having open and honest discussions.
Locally, people from across the Vale are very concerned about the proposals being considered by the Vale Council on the introduction of Parking Charges. I’m particularly concerned about the potential impact on Barry and the Island. That’s why I’ve been in contact with concerned traders on Barry Island. I share their concerns and I have submitted comments to the Scrutiny Committee, which will be discussing these proposals on Thursday 4th April.
People like Louis at Barrybados (Beach Hut), Mark at Barry Island Quasar and Marco at Marco’s Cafe, amongst other traders, have worked hard to improve the Island as a destination. Barry Island recently featured in the Department for International Trade’s prospectus for investment opportunities at a global summit. The Island has been on an upwards trajectory and it’s so important that our local traders who have contributed to this are supported.
I recognise the difficult position the Vale Council finds itself in, given the poor funding they receive from Welsh Government. However, parking charges will not solve financial issues. Instead, they risk creating a greater challenge to the Vale Authority to regenerate Barry.
On a more cheerful note, in less than a month I will be taking on the London Marathon to raise funds for two excellent charities, Dementia Revolution and Guide Dogs. Both causes are really important to me and I hope that the funds raised will go a long way to supporting the vital work that they carry out. Please support if you can, the link to my fundraising page is: www.virginmoneygiving.com/aluncairns
