WALES’ only-ever golfing major winner is backing plans to boost Harlech.

Ian Woosnam (pictured), originally­ from Oswestry, Shropshire, is backing a campaign to help restore Harlech, where he has played golf, to its former glory.

In an open letter to residents and business owners, Ian – or ‘Woosie’ as he likes to be known – wrote: “The lack of investment in Harlech and a failure to provide sustainable opportunities for its young and the Welsh culture, has concerned me for many years.

“A chance meeting with a resident of your proud and historic town, Jonny Martin, led to an agreement that together we should attempt to alter its fortunes and reverse the trend of decline.

“Jonny would give time and effort to help the area and I promised my name, reputation and achievements to help support all he takes on.

“We exchanged ideas and decided to create and action group that involves the community as a whole, acting as a spearhead for the many groups and organisations in the area

“We named it ‘Harlech in Action’, or HIA for short, and it involves a committee of both local and national representatives.

“HIA’s aim is – and will always be – to work for the collective good of the area and all associated with it, by prioritising its most urgent needs.”

The Masters winner, whose parents are Welsh, describes the town’s most pressing concerns as car parking issues, the lack of quality volume accommodation and the demise of the High Street.

In order to move forward, Woosie is also keen to safeguard the town’s golf course which he believes is “as good as it gets”.

And HIA is also currently working on a plan to keep Theatr Harlech open as it serves as a “much-needed­” facility for the area.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News