MEMBERS of Art Central Friends and the Vale of Glamorgan Artists used St Valentine’s Day to show their love for the Barry gallery.

The Vale council has started a formal consultation on the gallery's future and also the wider arts service across the Vale.

The council is looking at various options including increasing the arts provision, to run the gallery at cost neutral - that is with no funding, or to find alternative uses for the Art Central Gallery.

The group said a lot of local artists, makers, schools and community groups were worried that this venue in the heart of Barry will close after 13 years.

It is one of only a few public funded galleries in Wales.

Friends of Art Central chairman, Dennis Clarke said: “Art Central in Barry is one of the best galleries in South Wales, and is under formal review with threat of closure.

"This could happen unless Barry and the Vale residents answer the Vale council’s consultation.

"This is a marvellous space and we want the public’s support for its continued use as a gallery, but one which will involve other art forms for even more people to enjoy.”

The public consultation, which started on February 3 runs until Monday, March 23.

The public is encouraged to complete the online survey on the council’s website.

Alternatively contact your local councillor and send comments to: consultation@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Visit, valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/our_council/consultation/Arts-Consultation