In-depth look at Llanrwst’s multi-million pound Vision Statement

Apr 14 2011 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

LLANRWST could soon see the benefits of a multi-million pound investment vision for its future.

The draft vision statement, currently being revised by town councillors, sets out a seven-step plan to support businesses and boost employment, encourage tourism, promote healthy living and back new housing developments.

The investment is part of the £5.2m Rural Development Plan. In order to deliver the vision, the following seven objectives must be achieved, based upon local issues identified in community appraisals.

OBJECTIVE ONE

Provide employment and business support opportunities for rural Conwy, including the promotion of tourism provisions and diversification.

Encourage tourism activities and extend the holiday season.

Promote core food producers and specialist suppliers and eateries to strengthen the evening economy.

Maximise potential links with Furnace Farm food school, Eglwysbach.

A new food retail store would have a positive economic impact on the town, providing additional employment, increased footfall, vibrancy and vitality, a new highway and car park, and contribute towards the regeneration of the Station Road area.

Relocation of Conwy Council’s highways depot to make way for new food store at Plas yn Dre.

OBJECTIVE TWO

Enhance the skills base of rural Conwy through greater access to education and skills development opportunities.

Support for young people leaving full-time education.

Greater access to education and training at Glasdir.

Social inclusion initiative, such as the job club run by Golygfa Gwydir, encouraged and promoted.

OBJECTIVE THREE

Improve access to environmental services in rural Conwy.

In order to increase services and make efficiency savings a major expansion of the waste collection, bulking, transfer and treatment infrastructure is needed.

Relocation of Conwy’s environment, highways and infrastructure depot from Plas yn Dre to a new site on outskirts of Llanrwst.

OBJECTIVE FOUR

Ensure a sustainable future for community facilities and services.

Opportunities to re-use vacant Dolanog site as a community hub offering drop-in facilities for a variety of ages, user groups and interests and/or as a car park.

Relocation of the town’s football pitch to land on outskirts of town.

OBJECTIVE FIVE

Promote the health and well-being of people in Llanrwst and rural Conwy.

Further opportunities to develop the Hafan Gwydir Extra Care Housing and Canolfan Crwst health facilities.

New Way of Life project incorporating exercise and cookery classes and more accessible GP referral scheme.

OBJECTIVE SIX

Improve levels of accessibility within and transport provision to and from Llanrwst.

Further opportunities to enhance Llanrwst’s role within the integrated sustainable transport network.

Expand services and facilities for cycle activities.

Improve pedestrian and cycle accessibility within the town centre, especially with the retail development at Plas yn Dre.

Synergy and frequencies between bus and rail travel improved and community transport maximised.

OBJECTIVE SEVEN

Support the development of new housing and renewal initiatives.

Support more sustainable housing for younger people to remain in the area.

The Local Development Plan seeks to include 45 affordable homes in Llanrwst.

Investment underway to upgrade the physical condition of existing social and rented properties, including at the Glanrafon Estate.