Funding
has now been agreed for lining Aberystwyth’s main approach road with trees. The money,
totalling £375,000 spread over three years, has been allocated through the
Welsh Government’s Regeneration Area fund.
The
Coed Aber project, first mooted on this blog last April, has involved a
collaboration between Forestry Commission Wales, Ceredigion County Council and
the Greener Aberystwyth Group. It will see the planting of over 300 trees along
Boulevard St Brieuc and Park Avenue, running from Parc y Llyn to the town.
These
are a few quotes about the project, released today:
Meg
Kirby, Secretary of the Greener Aberystwyth Group:
“Our
group was set up to promote the development and conservation of green spaces in
the Aberystwyth area. We see them as valuable amenities for the residents
themselves and anyone visiting the area. The Greener Aberystwyth Group has long
envisaged a tree–lined avenue to unify this important approach to Aberystwyth
and is delighted that it is now becoming a reality.”
Trefor
Owen, Director of Forestry Commission Wales:
“Many
consider the benefits of such developments as being simply environmental but
they are much greater. There are proven benefits for people to exercise and enjoy
a safe, welcoming high quality local environment. From an economic perspective
it can attract more visitors and tourists as well as promote investment by the
business sector.”
Huw
Lewis, Welsh Government Regeneration Minister:
“When
the Regeneration Areas were established we asked Forestry Commission Wales to
consider potential opportunities for urban tree planting schemes. In
Aberystwyth this vision was integral to the development of a green river
corridor along Boulevard St Brieuc. This environmental enhancement contributes
positively to people’s perception of the town as they arrive and will bolster
its overall regeneration.”
The
work, which has parallels with the Oystermouth Road Project in Swansea, will commence in March with the aim of completing the project by 2015. Further details can be seen here and a walk-through video here.
Under
the Welsh Government’s Regeneration Area scheme, £10.3 million has been made
available to invest in Aberystwyth over five years. The scheme has just over
two years left to run.