Barry News

Island traders hit back at Cardigan jibes

2:50pm Thursday 2nd September 2010

SNOOTY traders in Cardigan have criticised their own town’s 900th anniversary celebrations, saying their town centre was ‘turned into Barry Island’, and adding ‘it’s not what we are about in Cardigan’.

But their ‘put-down’ has been laughed off by one Barry businessman, who said: "They wish they could be turned into Barry Island, because we’ve got it all!"

Cardigan Chamber of Commerce members claimed their takings were down after the 2010 committee brought in fairground rides – run by none other than Barry Island Pleasure Park’s operator - and stalls selling food and drinks for the weekend celebrations.

They claimed that road closures had dented profits and not enough notice had been given.

Showman Vernon Studt, who has been leasing Barry Island Pleasure Park for a year, said he had been asked to provide the entertainment, which included a very popular firework display he had secured from a company in Cwmbran.

Traders maintained customers had not wanted the entertainment, claiming ‘it’s just not what we are about in Cardigan’.

But Mr Studt said: "The local committee asked me to put a fair on the street.

"Our family has been going to Cardigan for the November fair for 160 years, but this is the first time we did something in the centre.

"The shopkeepers weren’t given advance warning, but I did my job right.

"I feel the majority of people, especially the young, enjoyed it and I’m proud."

Barry Island café owner Marco Zeraschi said he was delighted Cardigan’s traders had singled out the seaside resort.

He said: "They wish they could be turned into Barry Island because we have got it all down here – the beach, the weather, and Baby Cow productions with Gavin and Stacey.

"Our visitor numbers are up!"

* Barry Location: Vale of Glamorgan

Population: 50,000

Claims To Fame: BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey and serial dramas Doctor Who and Being Human; former Butlins Holiday camp location; former coal port; playing rugby against Arras, France

Famous Faces: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Olympian David Davies, BBC Weather forecaster Derek Brockway, footballer Derek Tapscott.

Attractions: Whitmore Bay, Porthkerry Park.

* Cardigan Location: West Wales

Population: 4,200

Claims To Fame: Important port once known for exporting woollen cloth to Arras, France; dolphins, porpoises and seals; bird life; Cardigan Castle.

Famous Faces: ???

Attractions: Cardigan Heritage Centre, Indoor Market, Island Coastal Park, a two-screen cinema.

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