Gwynedd Council in partnership with Penygroes residents have succeeded in securing a grant worth more than a £100,000 to improve the local economy of Penygroes and to ensure that the village will be identified as a gateway to the rest of Dyffryn Nantlle.
The work consists of several elements which are attached to the plan which include; upgrading the present path through the village to a biking standard with links to the well known Lôn Eifion path, delivering better parking, undertaking landscape work in an effort to regenerate untidy open land and prepare helpful information for tourists and local residents.
In addition, as part of the project the Council intends to consider the options to improve a patch of land in the centre of the village for broader use by the local community. A steering group has been established in Penygroes to collaborate with elements of the project and the Council will be looking into opportunities to create a communal site in the village centre.
Councillor Dyfed Wyn Edwards, the local member for Penygroes said:
“These substantial improvements to the environment are sure to be a boost to the Dyffryn Nantlle area by improving the physical environment of the community. This investment will benefit the community by securing the unique natural area of Penygroes and the wider area of Dyffryn Nantlle, which will be a great boost to local residents and tourism in the area.
“These plans would not have been possible without the financial support of the Môn and Menai grant (Area Regeneration Project) by the Welsh Government., and we are very pleased that they have chosen to invest in this area.”
Mark Balaam, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Countryside Warden added:
“This is a start of a series of exciting project in which we will be working together to regenerate the area with help from the community. We hope to encourage visitors to the surrounding areas to enjoy the natural environment and special heritage the area has to offer.
“It’s great to have the chance to work with the community, a variety of organisations and local groups to develop this exciting idea. The Lonydd Glas network continues to be extremely popular and it will be great to be able to deliver a high standard path into Penygroes and Dyffryn Nantlle.”
Gwynedd Council and partners will be carrying out consultations in the near future, giving local residents a chance to voice their opinions on aspects of the proposals. It is anticipated that the work on the project will be implemented from April 2012 until February 2013.
