19/02/2013

Funding agreed to line Aberystwyth's approach road with trees


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.