£4m plans to boost marine tourism on Anglesey

Oct 19 2011

£4m PLANS to boost marine tourism - including resurrecting ferries across the Menai Strait and an artificial dive reef off Trearddur Bay - are creating excitement.

The proposals are to create new or improved coastal recreation facilities to give the island an economic boost, creating jobs and sustaining its reputation as a tourist destination.

The ideas include reestablishing the Foel Pier and Menai Strait Water Shuttle, and the Gazelle Jetty for the same purpose; improve Benllech promenade; create an artificial dive reef; and promote an ‘access for all’ beach at Cemaes Bay.

Five public information events will be held next week across the island to gauge public opinion.

Jane Blakey, chairman of Anglesey Tourism Association, said: "Any investment is a good investment at the moment especially as we are fighting in a highly competitive market so this is very welcome news for the tourism industry on the island."

Neil Rowlands, general manager of Tre Ysgawen Hall hotel at Capel Coch, near Llangefni, said: "I do like these ideas and I think they would move Anglesey forward.

"We are surrounded by water and except for a few honey pot areas, the Strait, Rhosneigr and Trearddur Bay, we don’t make enough of our status as an island.

"I do like the ideas of the ferries (water shuttles). People on holiday like these sorts of trips, you only have to see the amount of people who go on the cruises of the Strait.

"Perhaps the artificial diving reef could see the island become a centre of excellence for learning to dive and also it always a good idea to maintain the infrastructure of somewhere like Benllech.

"If the money is there, I am supportive of these schemes. It would help the tourist economy."

Cllr William Hughes, who represents the ward of Llanbadrig that includes Cemaes Bay, said: "I’d like to see as many people as possible coming to the open day for a chat about the project.

"I support the opening up of Cemaes beach for all, but it’s important that as many people as possible come along and have their say about everything.

"It’s a blessing that we have this funding in order to be able to try and improve some of our coastal infrastructure in order to entice more tourists here."

"For example, if you have 40 extra people coming to Cemaes each week over the summer, that 500 in total and I’d hope that they don’t bring along their own sandwiches and drink so that they will spend some money here and help the economy."

Shadow tourism portfolio holder, Cllr Trefor Lloyd Hughes, said: "It’s important that people come to these meetings, and have their say good or bad on these projects.

"Feedback gives our officers something to work upon and it’s important that the local people can tell officer what they feel about them

"Of course there is no guarantee that we’ll get the funding but we need to get the ball rolling on consultation and find out what people are thinking.

"I’d be very happy to see access to Cemaes beach extended to everybody and facilities built there to allow disabled people to enjoy the beach.

"The artificial reef scheme would be a rare project in Britain there are only three throughout the country."

A spokesman for Anglesey County Council said: "Following the success of the current Anglesey Coastal Environment project, we have identified a further five potential schemes which could contribute to maximising the economic benefit and positive impacts from the coastline of Anglesey.

"We have estimated that the proposed schemes would cost in the region of £4m.

"We are now in the process of trying to identify additional funding to achieve our aspirations, and early consultation with residents will form an important part of the process."

Have your say

Monday, October 24 from 11am-3pm at Brynsiencyn Community Hall: Redevelopment of Foel Pier and the Menai Strait Water Shuttle.

Tuesday 25 from 11am-3pm at Benllech Beach Car Park: Benllech promenade improvements

Wednesday 26 from 11am-3pm at Trearddur Bay Water Sports Club next to Trearddur Bay Hotel: Anglesey artificial dive reef

Thursday 27 from 11am-3pm at Cemaes Bay harbour car park: Access for all beach at Cemaes Bay