Costumed guided tours to resume at Cosmeston Medieval Village (From Penarth Times)

Costumed guided tours to resume at Cosmeston Medieval Village

9:00am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News By Robert James Owen

COSTUMED guided tours are set to return to Cosmeston Medieval Village - 'by public demand'.

Earlier this year public tours of the historical site were cancelled due to budget cuts, but a reorganisation of staff responsibilities means they are available again from this month.

Cllr Gwyn John, Vale Council Cabinet member for leisure, parks, culture and sports development, said: “Entry to the village is free of charge to the public if they just want to look around, but many visitors who wish for more from their visit may take up the option of an audio tour.

“These are suitable for all the family and are offered in Welsh and English, as well as French and German for our foreign visitors.

“The village has continued to offer pre-booked costumed guided tours to schools and interested clubs - these have been very successful with more and more bookings being taken throughout the year.

“Now, due to public demand, tours by costumed guides are to be reintroduced on weekends from early October.

“Initially there will be two tours - at noon and 1.30pm - and this will increase during school and public holidays.”

The tours were stopped - along with the removal of all living-history actors and animals from the site - as part of changes introduced by the previous council administration to save the authority an estimated £50,000 annually.

But there was widespread anger about the decision and in March a protest was held outside the Civic Offices in Barry by campaigners. More than 2,500 people also signed petitions against the move.

In April the Vale Council Scrutiny Committee recommended a feasibility study be carried out to determine the future of the village - the only site of its kind in the UK.

Cllr Mark Wilson was among those who voted for the study.

He said of the re-introduced tours: "I am delighted by this and it demonstrates that this administration in the Vale of Glamorgan is listening."

Tracey Alexander, of Cosmeston Medieval Village Trust - who meet monthly with the local authority regarding the future development of the village - said: “We are absolutely delighted that tours are going to be reinstated and we see it as an essential step on the ladder to creating a vibrant future for the village.”

Guided tour fees are £3.50 for adults, £3 for concessions, with family, group and school discounts available.

For enquiries about Cosmeston and the Medieval Village call 029 2070 1678 or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk