THE LEADER of the Vale of Glamorgan Council has agreed to meet with Ely bridge campaigners to discuss securing the vital link for Penarth.

Marc Buehner, who is leading the campaign to secure a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Ely - linking Penarth with Cardiff and the International Sports Village - said: "We will meet the leader of the council, Margaret Alexander, as well as Cllr Chris Williams and head of transport Rob Quick, on Thursday, April 19 in the civic offices in Barry."

Last year more than 300 residents petitioned the council to meet with the campaigners.

Senior officials from Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Councils met recently to examine funding options - but campaigners are looking for the authorities to make a firm commitment to the scheme.

Marc Buehner said: "We want the Vale to take on a lead role in getting this bridge built for us, and we want the council to release funds for it.

"The Penarth Heights redevelopment will bring an enormous amount of capital to this council, and we want to see it spent here in Penarth, where people are directly affected by the development."

Representatives of the Penarth Marina Residents Association will also be present at the meeting to underline the demand for the bridge in the community.

Marcia Clode, chairwoman of the Association, said: "The residents of Penarth Marina and Haven are very glad that the council is finally taking notice of the concerns of the people here."

l The meeting will take place just a few days before a cycle demonstration over the Cogan Spur, organised by the campaigners. The cyclists leave Cogan rail station car park at 11am on April 22, before travelling across the Spur and back.