your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
dave from barry
people are always saying bad things about the old fire station, if i had the financing i would repair it and live there, its a beautiful building with so much potential. another good addition to barry would be a multi-lane bowling alley on the site of the old bus depot. it would bring a much needed boost to the area.
Dean
im a 16 year old boy from Barry and lived here all my life. theres nothing to do in Barry, nothing for teenagers anyway, your either too young to go to a pub/club and too old to be hanging around on the streets or going to a youth club!!!
mike of glamorgan st
i knew Rhian Lees would get on here...
Barry's the best place in the UK, you just need to know how to live the experience...
Phil Vrettos, Barry Island.
I have always considered myself fortunate to have been born on - and apart from time in the Armed Forces, to still live on Barry Island. We have a beautiful secluded beach, (Jackson’s Bay) some invigorating headland walks, and of course Whitmore Bay, which over the years has brought much trade and commerce to the area.
I say fortunate, because I have also had the pleasure of strolling on the Breakwater or sitting near the Yacht Club at the harbour on Barry Island on a balmy summers evening, just drinking in the simple pleasures that can be had by listening to the Gulls and looking at the boats swing gently on their moorings.
Due to Associated British Ports penchant for erecting ugly prison camp type fences, any visitors that now come to Barry Island (or residents for that matter) that aren't Yacht Club members are denied these simple pleasures. (Health and Safety Grounds of course!!) Come on Barry Council, ABP, and Barry Yacht Club, talk together and allow the general public a chance to enjoy the delights of the entrance and Harbour to the Port of Barry.
Visitors and younger residents that go too, or live on the newly developed waterfront, must be saddened to look over the water and see nothing afloat in our once thriving docks, someone please, push along the much discussed plans for a Marina, Restaurants, leisure facilities etc, anything but more houses!! If anyone on the Town Council, Vale Council, Welsh Assembly or any similar Governing Body is reading this and is unsure what I mean.... what my vision is.... Then just go eight miles back up the coast to Cardiff Bay and that might give you a pretty good idea!!
We live in a lovely part of Wales and it could be so much more.
Marty Byron
I have lived in Barry most of my life. It used to have the busiest beach in South Wales the local sights are still amazing. If you go to the outskirts of Barry, there are fantastic views of the local air traffic where some really good plane-spotting can be done.
Michelle Silk, Portsmouth
I got to admit I'm glad I don't live there. I moved 2 Barry when I was 15 (1995) Barry Island was a great place to hang out with my mate Vikki. It used to be lively and have a buzzing atmosphere. Everything was open in them days - I ended up working there on the bouncy castle on the beach in the summer and the following year in the arcade along the promenade calling bingo and working in the shop (Bob + Jackie were great 2work 4). I used to love rushing home after work to get changed and back down there to hang out, those were the days. When we hit 16/17 we started drinking in Quids In at the bottom end of Holton Road then on to the Barry Hotel which was a great place and of course we use to go drinking over the island in the Crop and the Dolphin - all those places used to be packed and we used to have such a laugh. So things at Barry were good once and I'm sure everyone my age group (25) would agree??? I moved back to Portsmouth when I was 21 and I got to admit there's a lot more happening down here - many more clubs and pubs and things to do but then again Portsmouth is a lot bigger place then Barry. I visited Barry last year and couldn't believe how run down things had got and how many derelict buildings there were. I only moved away 4 years ago but things seem to have certainly changed in Barry. But I will thank Barry for 7 great years of my life cause I enjoyed my time there xx
Joyce Craig, Australia
Please help. Does anyone know of the Jenkins family. Thomas Richard was in the Royal Navy - wife Mary, son Thomas Harold born 1910 was killed in W.W.2. was in US Navy.
Joyce Craig joycecr@bigpond.net.au
anonyms
I am 19 yrs old and have grown up in barry. as a child i was always aware of the bad things like crime & drugs and was also aware that these things are wrong, but children will only learn wat they live, so to see these things - needles crime and nothing being done about it - is leading barry's new generation of children to think this is acceptable. fortunately until now i was never over-exposed to such things. then at 18 i was offered a flat in treharn, an area badly neglected by the local authority, who claim to be making barry better. where i live there are used needles, rubbish, and constant acts of vandalism but still, after a year of telling the council, they still refuse to do anything about the state of where i live. i live alone and have asked BARRY COUNCIL to repair essentail things, eg front doors to flats that have never worked, but they say they will NOT repair these things as it will be done again. instead of taking measures to catch the vandals it's ignored an i've been subject to many threats, and witness fights that end up in the main entrance. and only 2 wks ago i was burgled and still they refuse to do anthing. i find it annoying that they have all this money to spend on tourist attractions and building things, but can't find money to repair and make safe the area most in need.
Paul Vassallo from Denbigh
Originaly brought up in Thompson Street Barry Dock, from mid forties and early fifties. My father was an ex-merchant seaman who settled in Barry. I feel privileged to have experienced my childhood in this unique time. the different creeds and cultures - a Jewish taylor next door, the Corns, each natonality had their own cafes where they got together; an Arab family the Safes across the road from us, a Maltese cafe. The buffs club, a mosque further down the road, a spanish shop selling olives from a huge barrel, exotic things as a child. Rationing still in place for certain things especialy sweets,one of my favorite memories. Saturday morning breakfast going across the road to the Arab bakery with my mate Barri for a slice of Arab bread with honey, from the Baker called Sala. their Mosque was behind the bakery. I was brought up an R/C, mixing with a muslim family. We didn't have a TV, I was always at their home evenings and weekends. I had to make friends being an only child. What's happening nowadays? as kids we had loads to do, ColdKnap Lake, Barry Island, Jacksons Bay, 5 Cinemas cheap Sat morn shows. Parks, Cadoxton Gladstone, Romney, Porthkerry, no end of football pitches at the top of Barry.
I feel quite sad when I read this website about my old town. It was a tough place at times but I had a lot of fun growing up. back then you could rarely get bored, we played, and had to be dragged in for meals. I do feel planners have not done the best for the town, reading the comments it seems people and communities come last. I think planners have destroyed a fabric and uniqueness in Barry long gone. Mainly for profit, a shame. The new housing projects around the docks, their speedboats parked out front. How many Thompson Street boys will have one, we live in hope. you cannot turn the clock back, but when will we learn from old community values? (An old Barry boy that could tell a few tales).
Sad of Barry
When I first moved to Barry 10 years ago I thought what a beautiful part of the country, with its wonderful beaches and kind, pleasant folk. You have everything on your doorstep - a City a few minutes away, country walks, sand, sea,wildlife sanctuaries, an Airport, etc, but what you don't have is a town centre for the development that has grown around the town. What we have is an area full of charity and cheap shops. How do the planners of Barry hope to encourage development and growth from outside into the town with nothing to offer? It is such a shame, as I believe Barry was once a thriving community. So come on you councillors and planners, think what you are doing to Barry before you take it off the map altogether.
May I make a suggestion, put all the charity shops into Dan Evans' old store after it closes and section areas and let them compete, and instead of charging full rates on the empty shops encourage new businesses to get established by charging them half rates. That way everybody has a chance. Also introduce some social areas like coffee shops outside and safe areas for children to play in the 21st Century. With a bit of thought and determination, it could be a place people would want to visit instead of driving past on the M4.
Dave from France
I was born in Barry. Whenever I visit, and on this page, people always seem to be moaning about what the Council is doing. Who elected this Council?
At least make an effort to vote. I noted only a 68% turnout for the general election, so guess that local elections are even worse.
If you're not happy, get out there and do something about it! Nobody else will do it for you.
Jade, Barry
I have to say Barry is really going down hill. There is nothing for teenagers to do apart from hang around the streets with their flagons of cider harassing people. What happened to all the youth clubs? When I was younger there seemed to be so many. There is nothing to keep these kids occupied, so they hang around the streets doing all sorts. As for Holton Road, what a mess. I just hope the end results have a good outcome. We need some good shops, not card shops or charity shops and building societies. They seem to be taking up the whole place. Parking is a nightmare - something really needs to be sorted out. I don't start work until 9 but have to get there at 8.15 just to park my car. Barry used to be a lovely town but is being taken over by housing estates and is just looking cluttered. The council needs to get its act together.
Sue
So nice to see people have fond memories of Barry Island. It is such a shame that next year it will be gone and houses will be its replacement. Unless the people of south Wales do something memories of Barry Island will be all we have. And once that has gone the shops will disappear as well. Let's stand and voice our feeling to the Vale council and not be walked over. Keep Barry on the map as a seaside with a fair.Read some memories of Barry Island
James Eddy in Barry
Will we ever see the mighty Barry Town back in the Premier League? Not with displays like we have seen in recent weeks I fear.
Andy from Barry
As a 21 year old in Barry i must say that there is absolutely nothing to do, there are only so many time a week you can go to the cinema and leisure centre! Apart from that there is nothing, evening clubs are directed more at the older generation or younger. it seems im supposed to be in the prime of life, but to me it seems im in the boring part waiting for things to happen. iv seen many friends turn to drugs out of sheer boredom, and i think that unless something is done soon then these problems will coninue. What Barry needs is something to keep myself and similar aged people from getting bored, this way we will start to feel happier in ourselves and that will reflect in positive attitude around the town.
Nicci Wade from Barry
Having lived in Barry for most of my life I have really seen it deteriate over the years. Gone are the loverly parks and gardens, the tourist acctractions and wide varity of shops, the carnivals and town celebrations that made Barry a wonderful part out Wales. Unless the council start to seriously re-think their actions Barry will just become a huge housing estate for people who commute to Cardiff and the other larger areas. Is that what we want for our beautiful town? Lets get Barry back the way it was......WONDERFUL!!!
Phil Jones from Fflint N.Wales
I've got something good to say about Barry.
I had a great time on the town down there as I've made it my duty to visit different towns in each part of Wales.
I found the local people very friendly and helpful and with hearts of gold.
I certainly wasn't expecting everyone to be that nice towards a 'Gog'!
In fact, everyone thought I was from liverpool until I sang 'Calon Lan' and 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' at the end of the night in one of the MANY pubs I visited, in fact I had to prove to people I was welsh! A great laugh was had by all.
Thanks for a great time.
Welsh people in all corners of Wales should venture out to meet people in the many different towns in all areas of Wales. I haven't got the best paid job back in Fflint, but I can't think of a better way to spend my savings in visiting the great and varied areas of this marvellous land.
What a fantastic country we have!
Cymru Am Byth!!
Rhian Lees, Barry
Would the last shopkeeper to leave Holton Road please turn out the lights?
Paul, Barry
lots of bad comments about barry! what about the good points...all of the bad points come from the running of the town by the council and their idea of ( in their slogan...building a better barry.) what is that supposed to be..getting rid of a football team that had prospects in europe.. champions of the welsh premiership for many years..destroying the history of barry by the destruction of the knap pool and holiday camp and now future plans of getting rid of the pleasure park itself. poor KEN ROGERS would be livid..taking over the park and restoring it for the people of barry where his heart always was..sadly lost his battle with cancer or this councill would not have got near the park.. now for something that hopefully the councill cant destroy or ruin... please take a walk up to marine drive on a hot summers day and take in the view...its breathtaking.. and my favorite place in the whole world, Jacksons bay at high tide, the most picturesque beach you could ever imagine, we boast the second highest rise and fall of tide in the world, we also now hold the british beach ball championships with over 15 nationalities entering and the possibilty of being a host for the 2012 olympics beach vollyball practice arena..we also have a number of gymnasts from barry ymca that have made the welsh team and team GB.. views over the vale that can match any ..not to mention we have an olimpic swimming medalist.. we are a small town with a big heart and a warm welcome to any visitors.. i was born in barry in 1969 had to leave for 14 years because of my fathers army career but returned in 1982 and can not see myself leaving the town again unless this council continue to destroy and ruin a beautiful part of the welsh countryside.. do not be put off by negetive comments about barry the good outweigh the bad...
Sue in Barry (40)
As my children are on hols from school and I have time off work went for a walk around Cold Knap and over to Barry Island yesterday. I was quite upset to see the mess the boating lake and gardens are in - unkept and unclean. Then we get to the knap pool area, Im sure they said it was to be converted to beautiful garden area. When? It's a mess! The path way was covered in dog mess and not a flower or shrub in sight,except top soil where the largest outdoor pool in the Uk used to stand. We then walked over to Barry Island through the Old Harbour, the path way and pebbled area was littered with dog mess, broken glass and empty cans. When was it last cleaned, my guess would be not in months!
On arriving at Barry Island the Butlins area is now soil, and no doubt awaits new houses to go there as I cant imagine the Council would give back something for the people of Barry that they have taken from them in other areas. I then get into conversation with two elderly gentlemen who have both lived here for over 70 years. It was brought to my attention that the council have future plans to knock down Barry Island Pleasure Park in the next 2 years and to replace with houses. That will see Barry disappear off the map completely as the last few holiday makers will disappear. The council need to start rethinking future plans and start putting back attraction and leisure into Barry. A new swimmimg pool would be a start at Barry Island - take a look at the Afan Lido Pool, it pays for itself. I could address a few more issues, but will leave for another time.
patricia read , from Barry
I do think that it is time that new swimming facilities are built in Barry, the much used leisure centre is working to full capacity now, which is good, but it is very crowded and steamy inside. The beach is great, and I think more people are using Barry island, but the other beaches are not patroled very often and people are getting washed out on lilos. If we do get a new marina, how will that improve life for the ordinary people of the town?
Dave in Barry
As a Barry resident I am apalled at the state of our town at the moment. Holton Road is an absolute mess with the roadworks still going on and the street a complete bombsite. Youths seem to be taking over the town with their gangs. Every saturday night there is gang of youths outside the 24 hour on Broad Street until 3 o'clock in the morning, harrassing people coming out of the clubs. If nothing is done now then the future of Barry looks grim!
Rob from Barry
I live near the old Fire Station in Court road and it is a shame the building has been allowed to fall into such disrepair to the point where I believe now it should be demolished. It is a blight on the landscape and is constantly being vandalised. The police have been called out 3 times in the last month because children are breaking into it and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed not forgetting the dangers if a fire is started. I believe the council are hoping somebody will buy it and renovate it but you only have to have a close look at it to realise it would cost a fortune, and then turn it into what? maybe more flats. I expect any developer would have serious concerns for the time taken to recoup their investment for the the type of properties that are needed in this part of Barry. I like many people would have hoped something could have been done for it but maybe a car park with a plaque would be the best use of this property for the people of Barry.
Steve Robson from Barry
Has anyone got anything good to say about our Town?
Barry is ideally situated in South Wales, nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan with beaches to the South and surrounded by glorious countryside. We have an International Airport to one side and the Capital of Wales to the other with a new rail link to Bridgend and the Vale. The Town Centre and Docks area are currently undergoing major development. We also have a number of residential housing developments throughout the town.
Now for the BUT !!!
With all these very positive developments, the locality and expansion of the town, why is it so difficult to get into the place? If this Town is to continue to grow and develop into a major tourist area and exploit its assets then we need to make it easier for people to get here. The main road from the M4 link via Culverhouse Cross and a number of roundabouts is OK from 8pm to 6am at any other time it becomes a chore.
The other four roads into the town are via small villages, Sully, Dinas Powys, St Athan and Bonvilston, which are also congested at peak times.
It’s about time the planners started to look at the big picture and see where Barry fits in with the rest of Wales and the tourist industry. Over the last few years there has been a growth in Marinas in Cardiff, Penarth, Swansea and Bristol. Porthcawl is also to get a new Marina, whereas, we in Barry celebrate when a few storage tanks are demolished and an old boat gets burnt and dismantled. It just about sums up the apathy that has become endemic to Barrians.
Let’s get people spending their disposable income in Barry instead of traveling out of Town to do so!
Magnus, Cardiff
Crime, litter and anti-social behaviour need to be sorted out sooner rather than later, before things get really out of hand. In terms of town centre shops closing down, Barry will allways lose out to Cardiff, as the major high street retailers find the market share in Barry a fraction of that in Cardiff. And with transport links between Barry & Cardiff regular and efficiant, it's just as easy for people to get into Cardiff. It's my view, that by 2020 Barry will have been absorbed into Cardiff, as the capital is expanding at such a fast rate. It may be under control of a differnt council but certainly they will just run into each other without any major difference in surroundings. Cardiff Council doesn't want to expand any further east towards Newport, for the fear that the 2 cities could merge, and no offence to people living in Newport, but that would be shattering for Cardiffs image and reputation. Barry on the other hand is much smaller, and with far less social problems as Newport, it will be easier to fit into the Cardiff ideal. It will also mean greater clarity between Cardiff and it's airport, which at present is 12 miles outside Cardiff. Yes, once the social issues mentioned by Rachel are sorted then Barry should prosper, albeit under Cardiffs wing.
Rachel from Barry
10 years ago Barry was a lovely place to live. Now all there is increasing amount of shops closing down in the town centre because people are not working and earing money in order to buy anything. Teen pregnancy is going through the roof! Within the space of 3 weeks 6 girls I know had fallen pregnant all under the age of 20! There are boy racers everywhere - u can't walk down the street without getting abuse by them or having dirty looks off their "Barry gals"! The place has gone to the dogs, and as for Barry Island and the Pleasure park - there is NOTHING pleasurable about it!! I'm embarrassed to live here.
Mr Baffled of Barry
No matter where I look there are discarded cartons, food wrappers and drink cans. It really gets my goat!
Alex in Barry
The evergrowing amount of flats in Barry is ridiculous. Who is going to live in them? The beautiful landscape that is Barry is being ruined.
J Evans in Barry
How great to see these new apartment buildings down on the waterfront and how good to see redevelopment of this area. What a shame though, that these apts are not disabled friendly - no elevators. What were the planners thinking? Older people and anyone who cannot manage stairs are immediately barred from buying anything other than a ground floor apartment. So, Barry has failed again to get it right.
Mark in Barry
A major breakthrough would be building some kind of tourist attraction on what's left of the old Butlins site. I gather it's in line for housing, but with all the property developments going up, there's going to be no room for actual attrations which will make people want to visit the town. New housing is great for people looking to move and attracting buisnessmen commuting to Cardiff, but unless something of real interest to benefit residents and tourists is built, the town could become quite boring. Once the houing market collapses which is inevitable, think of all the empty properties.
Chris O'Brien in Barry
Are the developments of the town hall and Central Park improving or will it get worse? I think the town hall is starting to look great now, not much has been done with Central Park but I am hoping things will improve not just for people who walk their dogs but for the kids also. I do think it is a good idea that the park will be closed at night because it will prevent vandals from ruining it like they did last time. Maybe this will be a new start for the town.
