North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin recently visited Bangor to meet Jacqueline Spence and Ben Popat, representatives of Maestryfan Community Group, to see their project at Cae Doctor Community Garden.
The group received funding from the PCC’s Christmas Community Fund and plan to use the money to maintain and improve the outdoor public space.
Maestryfan Community Group have worked tirelessly to transform a vacant and overgrown plot of land in to a safe, welcoming and vibrant community garden for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
The group have also obtained funding to improve the council-owned playground next door to the garden and have already installed new play equipment for all ages and abilities, including a new basket swing, wheelchair-accessible roundabout and a heavy-duty trampoline which is designed to support a motorised wheelchair. The group prides themselves on being the first to make play accessible to all abilities for the first time in the history of this playground.
With the funding from the PCC, the group plans continued enhancements for residents and visitors to enjoy at the heart of the Maestyfan Community, as well as a safe and enjoyable area for children to play. During the meeting, the group were presented with a certificate by the PCC as a sign of appreciation and recognition for creating this community asset.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin stated: “I’m delighted to have supported Maestryfan Community Group with funding to redevelop the Cae Doctor lot into a vibrant community asset.
“Investing in projects like this breathes new life into public spaces in ways that foster togetherness and empower our communities. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, delivering safer neighbourhoods is a priority and community-driven redevelopments like that of Cae Doctor make local areas safer by strengthening community ties and engagement.”
Jacqueline Spence, Maestryfan Community Group Committee Member said: “Maestryfan Community Group is proud to have given Cae Doctor new life through the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and partners and we are very fortunate to have received this vital funding to help support our project.
“The garden is council-owned on lease to our group, but the aim with our project is to promote social connection and accessibility for local families and we hope to see that continue and grow with our future plans, made achievable through the funding received.”
Maestryfan Community Group will soon be starting a gardening club in the area and are always looking for donations and additional support – find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373562872791255/
Photos: (1) (L-R): North Wales Police PCSO Craig Lloyd, Ben Popat & Jacqueline Spence, Maestryfan Community Group and Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner
(2) Ben Popat and Jacqueline Spence, representatives of Maestryfan Community Group
