Press release 21st August 2025

Barry has been selected as one of five towns in Wales to receive major investment from the UK Government, through its Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative.
Over the next 10 years, Barry will receive £2 million each year through the Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods, guided by a dynamic group of local residents and business people, and public servants, dedicated to making a long-term, positive difference to the town.

And now, the call has gone out to local people asking for ideas to help shape the Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods. Volunteers are needed to form five action groups that will generate creative and practical ideas for the issues that matter most to people: improving public safety, increasing opportunities for young people, helping local businesses to thrive, supporting better health and wellbeing, and bringing communities together.

The action groups will be led by some familiar Barry faces, including Matt Blumberg, the founder of GlastonBARRY, Executive Headteacher Innes Robinson, small business owner Fay Blakeley, Chief Superintendent Marc Attwell and Community Development Officer Sarah Cutting, who works closely with communities through the Your Place project.
The whole process is being coordinated by the Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods Board, chaired by David Stevens, local resident and former CEO of Admiral Group. David said,

“I am confident that we can tap into the collective energy and imagination of the people of Barry to come up with some great ideas for how to spend the Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods £2 million a year budget.
“What most excites me is the opportunity, provided by the government’s 10-year commitment, to spend the money in ways that make for long-term, sustained improvements in the prospects for the people of Barry.”

The Vale of Glamorgan Council provides administrative support to the Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods Board and is the accountable body responsible for executing plans, due diligence of the funding, grant payment agreements and financial reporting.

To apply to join a Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods action group, or for more information, visit www.barry.cymru or email [email protected].
Applications to join the action groups should be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 12 September, while comments and ideas from individuals, businesses, or organisations in Barry are welcome at any time.