Plaid Cymru Councillors in Bangor have welcomed the announcement, saying they’re “delighted that the community allotment, garden and orchard at Nantporth has secured funding.”
The project will move on to the next phase of its development, which begins this weekend (29 Nov 2020)
Over £10,000 has been secured from the Welsh Government to create a community orchard and at least 30 allotment plots for local people to grow fresh healthy food, on their own doorstep.
“This is great news for the community, especially as the volunteers from Rhandiroedd Nantporth Allotments, with assistance from us as Councillors, have applied for a number of funding options, without success in the past,” said Menai Ward Councillor, Mair Rowlands.
“It has been a long haul, pushing for this development to take off, and we are now at an important juncture, where we will soon see action and progress taking place on site,” explained Councillor Elin Walker Jones, who represents Glyder residents on Gwynedd Council.
Rhandiroedd Nantporth Allotments CIO (formed by a community group known as Tyfu) was granted planning permission from Gwynedd Council who own the site, following a successful fundraising appeal amongst the group’s supporters. The local authority has agreed to provide the lease for the former agricultural land at Holyhead Road to Rhandiroedd Nantporth Allotments.
Work has begun to prepare the site for the creation of specific areas, planting and growing. Members of the public are encouraged to participate and assist with the planting of the orchard and hedgerow this coming weekend, Sunday, 29 of November whilst adhering to physical distancing measures currently in place.
To take part, please book a slot to keep within the number limits allocated. All the information is available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/plannu-perllannau-nantporth-orchard-planting-tickets-128791088613
Gwen Thomas, a committee member who has been instrumental in moving the project forward said: “We are thrilled that funding is now in place, and work will soon be allowed to begin at Rhandiroedd Nantporth Allotments. Our work for a venture of this kind has been ongoing for many years and there is real appetite for a green space where people can socialise at a distance, exercise in the fresh air and create sustainable food.
“We are grateful to Councillors Mair Rowlands and Elin Walker Jones for their wonderful support over many years and to Councillor Catrin Wager who has driven Gwynedd Council forward to confirming the lease for the land.”
Photo: Plaid Cymru Bangor Cllrs and Rhandiroedd Nantporth Allotment representatives
