THE £550,000 scheme to create a community garden and nature area at Cemetery Approach in Barry, has been finished and officially launched today (June 22).

Contractors recently completed work on the site following final approval of plans by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Barry Town Council (BTC) in September last year.

The area was fenced off and unused prior to 2008 - the year when residents fought a successful campaign to save it from a housing association’s plans for a residential development.

More than 12,000 people signed a petition and wrote letters objecting to the Newydd housing scheme which was ultimately rejected by the Vale council’s planning committee.

The new park will also see the construction of a small community building.

The land will be leased to Barry Town Council which will then take over control and maintenance of the new park.

Barry mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges and Vale mayor Cllr Janice Charles, council leader John Thomas and Cllr Bronwen Brooks attended along with two residents.

Cllr Hodges said: “This is a momentous day for Barry Town Council.

"Before, it was an eyesore and now it’s a great facility for our precious cemetery. This really is wonderful and will be well used by the people of Barry.”

Cllr Charles added: “I’m thrilled. It’s a place for peaceful contemplation.”

St Andrews Road resident, Tony McKeown, 73, said he hoped the Victorian lampposts that had been removed would be re-instated following the renovation.

He said: “It’s a lot better that what it was previously. It’s nice for people’s loved-ones.”

Hi wife Margaret, 72, added: “It’s a place where people can have solitude and peace and quiet.”

Cemetery visitor, Hilda Mooney said: “It’s a vast improvement. It’s not flats and houses which was planned before. It’s lovely.”