Coastal communities set to get £1 million boost

“We are lucky in Wales to have a truly magnificent coastline with unparalleled views and attractions. The funding awarded today will enable coastal communities to make the most of these natural features, enhancing the areas’ tourist potential and driving local growth and jobs.”

Fran Targett, Chair, Coastal Communities Fund Wales Committee, said:

“Coastal Communities share a strong sense of place and this funding has the potential to give five areas a welcome boost by supporting the development of their local economies.”

The Coastal Communities Fund was announced by the UK Government in 2011 to provide funding on a bid basis for projects supporting local economic development in coastal communities.

The applications were considered by the Coastal Communities Fund Wales Committee and approved by the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty. During the selection process, consideration was taken of how plans for economic growth address local needs and priorities, job creation and long-term sustainability.

The five projects set to benefit are:

• Bridgend County Borough Council will receive £300,000 to create a new 4km cycle and pedestrian path linking attractions and facilities in Porthcawl. The project will improve existing pathways, create new cycle lanes, improve signage to attractions and businesses, and establish a new bike hiring scheme. The project will benefit 15 businesses and draw an additional 9,000 visitors to Porthcawl every year.
• Flintshire County Council are set to benefit from £293,135 to improve the Flintshire section of the Wales Coast Path (WCP), create a link path between Offa’s Dyke and the WCP, improve visitor infrastructure, and promote the Flintshire Coast as a tourist destination. The project will create traineeships for 30 local unemployed young people, create 23 indirect jobs and increase visitor numbers by 40,000.
• Quay Watermen’s Association will receive a £192,672 boost to develop Connah’s Quay Dock by restoring the old Sea Cadets building to create a hub for visitors and the local community. The project will purchase two wheelchair accessible boats, develop a café and heritage exhibition, and provide a secure boat compound for boat owners to safely store their boats.
• New Sandfields Aberavon and Afan Community Regeneration will receive £231,525 to host a series of tourism events to attract additional visitors to Aberavon seafront. Three event co-ordinators will be employed to engage with the local community and businesses to organise the events, which will focus on Aberavon town and seafront and build on the success of the existing Beach Festival.
• Surf More South Wales are set to benefit from £50,000 to establish a surf school at Aberavon Beach to provide tuition packages for every level of surfing from beginner through to advanced. They will also establish a surfboard test and hire centre and grow the successful ‘Howzi’ Surfboards business.