The Barry Island Pleasure Park has reopened under new management.

The park - which it is hoped will benefit from being featured in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey - has been leased to Studt Funfairs for a season.

Director of Studt Funfairs, Vernon Studt, has operated the dodgems at the park for three years, but has experience running other attractions - such as the Groveland Adventure Park in Pembrokeshire in 2005.

Studt has installed new rides, including a junior rollercoaster, and has closed others, such as the log flume and Evolution rides, at the 4.6-acre site.

Studt estimates that the park will be fully operational by July.

The future of the site as a funfair is not guaranteed however, as the park's owner Ian Rogers submitted proposals 18 months ago for a cinema, restaurant and entertainment complex, which are currently being negotiated with the Vale Council.

Photograph: The proposed plans for Barry Island