£5m coastal plan offers fresh economic hope

Anglesey's fragile economy will today (Thursday, September 3rd) receive a much needed boost with the unveiling of a new £5.6m coastal development scheme.

The new Anglesey Coastal Environment Project will help efforts to utilise the natural environment and coastal resources in a bid to increase economic benefits for the Island.

The project will focus on new opportunities for tourism, leisure activities, employment and local communities by maximizing the spectacular Anglesey coastline.

Funding for the project has been provided by the European Union's Convergence Programme - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); Welsh Assembly Government's Môn a Menai Programme and Targeted Match Fund and Isle of Anglesey County Council.

The Island's Assembly Member, Ieuan Wyn Jones, will officially launch the project with a keynote speech on the importance of local coastal facilities to tourism and recreation.

Anglesey Head of Economic Development, Sasha Wynn Davies, explained, "The Island relies heavily on its distinctive and diverse coastline as it underpins many key economic, social and environmental activities. These, of course, play a significant role in the well being and quality of life for both residents and visitors to Anglesey."

"The Anglesey Coastal Environment Project will help us develop the Island's coastline with the aim of improving levels of economic value, activity and job creation to ensure long term socio-economic benefits."

Improving accessibility, coastal infrastructure and information will play a key role in increasing opportunities for people to access and experience the coastal zone.

Assembly Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews, said the project would support and complement the aims and objectives of the Môn a Menai strategic regeneration programme which was providing £1.7m towards the project.

He added, "This investment is particularly welcome in the current economic climate and will build on, and strengthen, Anglesey's unique tourism offer, supporting local communities and businesses to maximize these opportunities. It will also provide a boost to the outdoor leisure sector which has real potential for growth."

Council Leader, Councillor Clive McGregor, believes enhancing the Island's unique leisure, recreation and tourism opportunities will boost the economy.

He said, "We've endured a tough time of it recently, with a number of significant job losses. Today's launch is very positive news for Anglesey and I'm confident that this exciting new project will bolster our efforts to kick-start the economy.

"This significant investment will help us exploit the economic potential of the natural environment and embrace the many opportunities linked to Anglesey's coastline. The County Council will now use this funding to develop a number of innovative activities at key, strategic locations around the coastline of Anglesey."

Projects will:

• enhance existing / create new coastal recreation infrastructure
• provide support for existing and new local maritime businesses
• improve direct and/or in-direct employment opportunities within the marine leisure sector
• improve opportunities for participation in physical activities (both on land and at sea) to help social inclusion, health and well being
• improve the appeal and reputation of Anglesey as a tourist destination, whilst contributing towards an extension to the tourism season
• provide facilities to sustain Anglesey's coastal towns and villages
• promote and engender a strong local maritime leisure interest
• embrace Anglesey's maritime culture and history (including the Welsh language) and engender pride in the local environment.