A-Z of Services

Objective 2 Project Update

The programme to date has approved projects totalling 1,977,062

The following projects have been approved to date:

The Ceiriog Cycle Route - Ground Work Wrexham and Flintshire

The launch event was held at the Hand Hotel Chirk, Wrexham on 16 September 2003 it was a great success.

The cycle route is being marketed by the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership with a host of other outdoor promotional leisure activity leaflets e.g. walking and horse riding.

The Ceiriog Valley Bridleway

The Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership in Partnership with Groundwork Wrexham will develop 2 equestrian routes in the Ceiriog Valley.

One bridal path section will be opened up with relevant fencing and surfacing work and the erection of new easy to open gates to the remaining bridal path.

Total project cost £20,582.

Building Conversions for Rural Businesses

A grant scheme which is administered by Wrexham County Borough Council for conversion of redundant buildings in rural areas.

The grants will be aimed at private individuals or property developers wishing to convert their under-utilised or deteriorating barns/rural buildings to units suitable for occupation and use by SMEs.

The intended use for the converted buildings is office or workshop space.

Total project cost £202,118.

Business Awareness Programme

The project has been running since 1 February 2003, when Liz Rowlands was appointed as Business Counsellor to promote tailored support for the businesses in Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley.

Liz is based at Chirk Estate Office, on a part time basis to provide ongoing help, advice and support when businesses require it.

You can contact Liz on: (07812) 541495/ (01691) 776910/ or (01978) 366366.

Total project cost: £41,333.

Ceiriog Memorial Institute Museum Project

This project is the refurbishment and modernisation of the building which will enable the collections owned by the institute to be better displayed and enjoyed by the community and visitors alike.

Attracting visitors will generate revenue which will ensure the Museum has a viable and sustainable future.

It is intended that the Museum will open from 1 May 2004 and that summertime opening will be from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

The gardens to the rear are to be landscaped and there will be disabled access from this point, both to the Museums and to the gardens.

Total project cost: £60,973.

Trevor Basin Waterside Regeneration

The project promotes and enhances Trevor Basis and the associated canal corridor with a variety of environmental schemes, community-led artwork, the improvement of physical access and the creation of an attractive green waterside.

The project encourages more cycling and walking along the canal and promotes links with the surrounding residential areas and business, particularly those in the tourism sector.

Total project cost: £173,141.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct- The Canal In The Sky

Recently awarded a grant of over half a million pounds from the Wrexham Objective 5b Transition Programme, for restoration and the provision of a new visitor centre, the Pontycysyllte Aqueduct will celebrate its bi-centenary in 2005.

The original first stone was laid by Richard Middleton of Chirk Castle on 25 July 1795. The Aqueduct took 10 years to construct and was officially opened in 1805. As the evocative description above indicates the Aqueduct has helped nurture prosperity and commerce; linking the English Midlands through Wales to the Mersey and on to Ireland. Today it is still nurturing prosperity through a different form of commerce - tourism.

The restoration of the Aqueduct will ensure that its appeal to tourists continues to grow, and that it brings even more visitors to the Llangollen Canal, to Trevor and to the wiser area including Chirk.

Visitor numbers have been increasing over the years as more narrow boats use the canal and more come to gaze at this incredible structure, walk along its length, and appreciate the breathtaking views of the Dee Valley.

The canal receives over 1 million visits each year which has a major impact on the local economy as more visitors are using local facilities including pubs, restaurants, B&Bs and shops.

Included in the scheme will be a new visitor centre helping people to appreciate the history of this Scheduled Ancient Monument including interactive displays and a virtual tour for people unable to walk or sail across.

Preparations are in hand for celebrating the Aqueduct's bi-centenary in 2005. The aim is to involve as many people from the local community as possible in the celebrations, and to use the event as catalyst for increasing the number of visitors to the Aqueduct and to the local area.

A number of community meetings are planned to discuss the proposals. The restoration of the Aqueduct should be complete by the Summer of 2004, and the new visitor centre should open shortly afterwards.

If you would like to discuss the plans for the Aqueduct please contact:

Nicola Lewis-Smith from British Waterways on 01244 390372.

If you wish to discuss proposals for the bi-centenary celebrations please contact:

Del Roberts-Jones from Wrexham Council's Tourism Section on 01978 292461.

Total project cost: £1,461,810.

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