A community enterprise in North Wales is today, Wednesday, 1 November, launching a share offer in its ambitious campaign to purchase a local harbour and marina.

Menter Felinheli hopes the offer will raise £300,000 in November, with shares costing £100 each. It recognises that this is a challenging target, but one that is also realistic in light of advice from experts and other community enterprises.

Tudur Owen, one of the leaders behind the proposal, said: “Yes, it’s a lot of money – but I don’t doubt for a moment that we can reach the target.

“Lots of other community enterprises have succeeded and there is no reason why the people of this area can’t succeed too.

“We will of course need more than that, and we have already submitted one application for a substantial grant with another one in the process of being completed.”

The harbour and marina is currently in administration after the company that owned it went into administration earlier this year.

Menter Felinheli has already submitted its financial bid for the site but cannot reveal the price they have offered. They believe that a combination of grants and local financial support can put the site in the hands of the community for the first time.

Another of the project’s leaders, Gwyn Roberts, says that buying the harbour and marina on behalf of local people would help the whole village by using the profits from the marina to support other local projects and initiatives, bringing financial and social benefits to the area.

“Very little of the profits created by the marina over the decades have remained in the area,” said Gwyn.

“If we succeed in our bid, that will change overnight. Then, it’s local people and businesses that would benefit – the money will stay here, for the benefit of everyone in the village.

“This is too good an opportunity to miss.”

The enterprise is appealing to anyone interested in supporting them, locally or outside the immediate area, to buy shares through its website menterfelinheli.cymru.

As the situation is developing rapidly, they are appealing for people to contribute in the coming weeks. A marketing campaign in November will promote this.

Another of the social enterprise’s leaders, Alun Meirion, said: “The sale of shares is an essential part of the project – the purchase won’t happen if this vital part does not succeed.

“So we are urging people to buy. Whether you live in Y Felinheli or further afield, selling these shares is vital.

“There are lots of people who have left the village over the years too, and if you know someone in that situation, contact them, explain what’s going on, and give them an opportunity to support the initiative.”

Around fifty residents came to a recent public meeting in the village to hear more about the plans and to show their support. The proposal is also supported by Cyngor Gwynedd, Sian Gwenllian MS and Hywel Williams MP.

To find out more about the project and buying shares Click Here.