Latest news with #MarkHooper
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
'We need answers' Anger over major blow to Barry Waterfront project
'We need answers' Anger over major blow to Barry Waterfront project The marina element of the Barry Waterfront redevelopment project will no longer be going ahead after ABP announced it won't commit funds for it Politicians like Plaid Cymru councillor, Cllr Mark Hooper, have called for answers on the latest blow facing the Barry Waterfront project (Image: Brian Carroll ) Politicians have called for answers after a major backer of the Barry Waterfront redevelopment scheme decided to stop committing funds to it. Associated British Ports (ABP) announced on Wednesday, May 28, that it would not be able to fund the marina element of the project, saying it would require "significant investment". Vale of Glamorgan Council's leader, Cllr Lis Burnett, said the latest development would not affect other elements of the wider project like a new public space and water sports centre. However, opposition councillors and a Senedd Member have questioned how the project got to this point and where it goes from here. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Plaid Cymru councillor for the Waterfront area of Barry, Cllr Mark Hooper, said: "I am surprised by this most recent announcement by ABP. The market testing should have been completed long ago, before vast amount of work and cost was undertaken by public officials and others. "We in Barry need answers. Why was so much time and energy sunk into these plans if business partners hadn't already carried out their due diligence? What is going to happen to the rest of the bid proposals if this key part is no longer going ahead? Will Barry still have this £20m to spend, or will Westminster claw it back? We need these answers quickly." The project to redevelop the Waterfront, also known as the Barry Making Waves project, formed the basis of an application for £20m of levelling-up funding. Article continues below Vale of Glamorgan Council announced the county was successful in its bid for funding in November 2023. There was a brief pause in celebration following the general election after the UK Government said it needed to conduct a review of spending. An artist's impression of what the marina in Barry might have looked like (Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council ) However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in October 2024 that Barry would receive its funding. Conservative South Wales Central MS, Andrew RT Davies, said of ABP's recent decision: "This is extremely concerning news. The marina is a key part of plans to level up Barry and losing this investment is a huge blow. 'I've requested an urgent meeting with the council to discuss the future of the scheme. Action is required to attract new partners and it's vital we have clarity.' The Labour leader of the council, Cllr Burnett said she was disappointed to learn ABP would no longer commit to the marina element of Barry Making Waves. Despite the "clear setback", she said the council remains confident the UK Government funding remains viable. Conservative MS, Andrew RT Davies (Image: Getty Images ) She added: "We believe the project can be delivered without the marina component, subject to UK Government agreement. 'The Making Waves scheme will still seek to retain leisure use on the water by bringing a new water sports centre to the Mole which will be operated jointly by the Ocean Water Sports Trust and Cardiff and Vale College. "It will also see the creation of a public park for all to enjoy and will facilitate the delivery of much-needed housing. "The scheme also includes the upgrading of the Grade 2* listed Dock Office into business incubator space to support local economic growth. "We will now focus our attention on delivering these projects and will be seeking the agreement of the UK Government for this amended scheme." Other partners on the project include The Ocean Watersports Trust and Cardiff and Vale College. An ABP spokesperson said: 'Associated British Ports is continuing to work closely with the Vale of Glamorgan Council regarding the Barry Making Waves Regeneration Project. "We are looking at the right, viable ways we can contribute to the Project and to the Council's goals, that ABP shares, of driving more growth and prosperity for Barry. 'ABP has been working closely with the Vale of Glamorgan team regarding the Barry Making Waves project for a number of years, including on the concept of a marina development, and has committed significant resources to the project. "We have recently concluded a thorough market testing exercise, utilising third party experts and including engagement with marina operators, which has led ABP to the regretful conclusion that we can cannot proceed with the significant investment required in a marina. 'We remain committed working with all stakeholders regarding the shared ambition of maximising the opportunity of the Levelling Up Fund award from the UK Government. "We look forward to pursuing our ongoing dialogue with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.' Article continues below
The Sun
15-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Inside UK's eerie train graveyard where abandoned locomotives left to rust away for 35 YEARS in ‘terribly sad' sight
PICTURES have revealed the inside of a "train graveyard" where dozens of abandoned locomotives were sent to rust. Social media users said the images were "terribly sad" after seeing the trains left to rot in an old quarry. 6 6 The diesel locomotives, built between 1989 and 1993, were abandoned years ago. They can be seen at White Moss Quarry, Cheshire, left rusting in neat rows. The trains were originally taken to the quarry for restoration but were forgotten and now sit abandoned. More than a dozen DB Cargo class 60 locomotives can be seen in images of the eerie "train graveyard." The majority have fallen into a state of disrepair with windows smashed, rust setting in and holes visible in their roofs. Train enthusiasts and social media users have shared their sadness at the sight of the rusting trains. Many have been left intrigued by the graveyard and try to get a peek inside by sneaking in or using drones. Several people have suggested taking the trains to a rail museum for restoration and display. Others have said the trains are probably up for sale as scrap metal. Some suggested turning the disused engines into homes and others have said they would love to explore the creepy train graveyard. Mark Hooper said: "Should have been offered up for sale to a preserved /heritage railway." And Graham Arnott added: "Wow. I'm sure I'd only need 1 carriage to live in." 6 6 Larry Thomson replied: "My grandad used to take me to rail crossing to wait for the class 60 such a shame I hope someone restore one absolute beaut of a train." Andrew Sutton commented: "Its like an elephants graveyard. The place locomotive go to die." The train graveyard can be found on the outskirts of Stoke on Trent but lies on private land. Locals are encouraged to stay off the site of the train graveyard for safety reasons. The DB Cargo class 60s were mostly used for freight haulage before they were abandoned. DB Cargo still operates some of the older models seen in the train graveyard today. They were nicknamed 'Tugs' by rail enthusiasts. 6
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Inside UK's eerie train graveyard where abandoned locomotives left to rust away for 35 YEARS in ‘terribly sad' sight
Arial pictures show the inside of the eerie train graveyard END OF THE LINE Inside UK's eerie train graveyard where abandoned locomotives left to rust away for 35 YEARS in 'terribly sad' sight Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PICTURES have revealed the inside of a "train graveyard" where dozens of abandoned locomotives were sent to rust. Social media users said the images were "terribly sad" after seeing the trains left to rot in an old quarry. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Train enthusiasts have sad they feel "terribly sad" that the trains were abandoned Credit: SWNS 6 The majority of the locomotives have rusted Credit: SWNS The diesel locomotives, built between 1989 and 1993, were abandoned years ago. They can be seen at White Moss Quarry, Cheshire, left rusting in neat rows. The trains were originally taken to the quarry for restoration but were forgotten and now sit abandoned. More than a dozen DB Cargo class 60 locomotives can be seen in images of the eerie "train graveyard." The majority have fallen into a state of disrepair with windows smashed, rust setting in and holes visible in their roofs. Train enthusiasts and social media users have shared their sadness at the sight of the rusting trains. Many have been left intrigued by the graveyard and try to get a peek inside by sneaking in or using drones. Several people have suggested taking the trains to a rail museum for restoration and display. Others have said the trains are probably up for sale as scrap metal. Some suggested turning the disused engines into homes and others have said they would love to explore the creepy train graveyard. Mark Hooper said: "Should have been offered up for sale to a preserved /heritage railway." And Graham Arnott added: "Wow. I'm sure I'd only need 1 carriage to live in." 6 The old models were used to haul heavy loads Credit: SWNS 6 The trains have been vandalised with spray paint Credit: SWNS Larry Thomson replied: "My grandad used to take me to rail crossing to wait for the class 60 such a shame I hope someone restore one absolute beaut of a train." Andrew Sutton commented: "Its like an elephants graveyard. The place locomotive go to die." The train graveyard can be found on the outskirts of Stoke on Trent but lies on private land. Locals are encouraged to stay off the site of the train graveyard for safety reasons. The DB Cargo class 60s were mostly used for freight haulage before they were abandoned. DB Cargo still operates some of the older models seen in the train graveyard today. They were nicknamed 'Tugs' by rail enthusiasts. 6 The trains lie in a quarry near Stoke on Trent Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Inside UK's eerie train graveyard where abandoned locomotives left to rust away for 35 YEARS in ‘terribly sad' sight
PICTURES have revealed the inside of a "train graveyard" where dozens of abandoned locomotives were sent to rust. Social media users said the images were "terribly sad" after seeing the trains left to rot in an 6 Train enthusiasts have sad they feel "terribly sad" that the trains were abandoned Credit: SWNS 6 The majority of the locomotives have rusted Credit: SWNS The diesel locomotives, built between 1989 and 1993, were abandoned years ago. They can be seen at The trains were originally taken to the quarry for restoration but were forgotten and now sit abandoned. More than a dozen DB Cargo class 60 locomotives can be seen in images of the eerie "train graveyard." Read more News The majority have fallen into a state of disrepair with windows smashed, rust setting in and holes visible in their roofs. Train enthusiasts and social media users have shared their sadness at the sight of the rusting trains. Many have been left intrigued by the graveyard and try to get a peek inside by sneaking in or using drones. Several people have suggested taking the trains to a rail museum for restoration and display. Most read in The Sun Others have said the trains are probably up for sale as scrap metal. Some suggested turning the disused engines into homes and others have said they would love to explore the Mark Hooper said: "Should have been offered up for sale to a preserved /heritage railway." And Graham Arnott added: "Wow. I'm sure I'd only need 1 carriage to live in." 6 The old models were used to haul heavy loads Credit: SWNS 6 The trains have been vandalised with spray paint Credit: SWNS Larry Thomson replied: "My grandad used to take me to rail crossing to wait for the class 60 such a shame I hope someone restore one absolute beaut of a train." Andrew Sutton commented: "Its like an The train graveyard can be found on the outskirts of Stoke on Trent but lies on private land. Locals are encouraged to stay off the site of the train graveyard for safety reasons. The DB Cargo class 60s were mostly used for DB Cargo still operates some of the older models seen in the train graveyard today. They were nicknamed 'Tugs' by rail enthusiasts. 6 The trains lie in a quarry near Stoke on Trent Credit: SWNS 6 Enthusiasts described the train graveyard as "terribly sad" Credit: SWNS
