Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

11 June 2009

Ponciau Banks offcial re-opening


 

 

 

 

Ponciau Banks Park has officially re-opened following a half a million pound refurbishment.

The Mayor of Wrexham, Arwel Gwynn Jones and Councillors for Ponciau, Cllr Aled Roberts and Cllr Paul Pemberton and Dei Tomos from the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales attended a special ceremony at the park to mark the completion of the restoration to its former splendour of the 1950’s, when the park was considered at its most complete and vibrant.

The ceremony showcased the rich culture that stems from the area. There were musical performances from Cantorion Rhos and Ysgol y Grango’s choir, alongside a demonstration from the local BMX Club, who are based at Ponciau Banks Park.

Ponciau Banks Park received £504,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to spend towards improvements and restoring the cultural heritage of the Rhos and Ponciau areas. The money has been spent on major refurbishments including the renovation of the bandstand and a new viewing amphitheatre, which will be used for outdoor events throughout the year.

Further improvements include improved access and pathways, new lighting, fully operational CCTV and a new-skate park.

Jennifer Stewart, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales said

“HLF has supported many parks in Wales. Ponciau Banks Park stood out because of the very special social heritage that the park has. More importantly, the Local Authority demonstrated to us that this park is valued by the local community and that the park is a very important part of the community’s history”.

The completion of the scheme signals the end of a long project which has seen Wrexham County Borough Council, the Friends of Ponciau Banks Park community group, Rhos Community Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund working together to return the Park to its former glory

Councillor for Ponciau, Paul Pemberton, said:

“The redevelopment wouldn’t have happened without all the hard work undertaken by the Friends of Ponciau. I’d like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for all their help and support, and all friends and colleagues at Wrexham County Borough Council. The park looks magnificent and will provide local people with the facilities they deserve.”

The Leader of the Council and Councillor for Ponicau, Aled Roberts added:

“Following years of hard work by a band of volunteers supported by the Community and Borough Councils and the Heritage Lottery Fund we have a first class facility again for our children, young people and the community to enjoy. I'm looking forward to the activities which will no doubt take place particularly during the summer months.

"Everyone should have access to a park whether they want to use it as a place to meet, a place to play sport, or just somewhere to relax. Ponciau Park is an invaluable community area for all members of the public and a great boost to the Ponciau and Rhos area".

The completion of the scheme signals the end of a long project which has seen Wrexham County Borough Council, the Friends of Ponciau Banks Park community group, Rhos Community Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund working together to return the Park to its former glory.

Councillor David A Bithell Lead Member Environment and Transport said,

“The refurbishment of Ponciau Banks is part of Wrexham Council’s ongoing commitment to improving our local parks in Wrexham. This is a tremendous achievement by everybody involved and is something to be very proud of.”

For further information about Ponciau Banks Park, contact Katie Birks, Park Development Officer on 01978 844028.

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