A WELSH sporting icon is teed off by the shabby treatment Harlech residents have endured.

Ryder Cup stalwart Ian Woosnam, who hails from Oswestry, was in Harlech to lend his support to a community action group.

He was joined on the day by ex-tour professional D J Russell and Black Country footballing hero, Steve Bull, MBE, of Wolverhampton Wanderers and England fame.

Ian, who regularly plays on the Royal St David’s Golf Course, is a firm fan of the seaside town and has lent his backing to Harlech in Action (HIA), a group determined to regenerate the town.

“HIA has identified three areas requiring its most urgent attention,” said the pro golfer.

“They are the lack of volume serviced accommodation, the need for adequate parking for short and long-term visitors and the rejuvenation of its historic High Street.

“The way in which Adult Learning Wales (ALW), owners of the college site, failed to respond to the wonderful opportunity the Chinese Consortium presented for Harlech and in particular its accommodation needs.

“It is not just a lost opportunity for Harlech and its community, but for Wales as a country.

“I feel very strongly about the wasted time and effort given by so many from HIA and the community, without charge, to deliver what ALW had asked for and more.

“We have not finished asking questions on how this could have been allowed and will demand answers, going to the highest level to get them.”

Ian was also annoyed by an ongoing saga in Harlech.

“There is the appalling eyesore next door to the college, the St David’s Hotel, which has blighted Harlech for so long,” he continued.

“Although some would like you to believe it has Royal status, it most certainly does not.

“HIA has worked to ensure a demolition order be placed on the structure and now it is for Snowdonia National Park and the Government to deal with the owners to ensure its removal from Harlech’s stunning landscape.

“This said, Harlech is a community determined to do all it can to return it to the prosperous, vibrant town it once was and to re-ignite the opportunities so sadly lacking for the young of the area.

“I am proud to be giving my name and reputation to this magnificent Welsh town as HIA and the Government departments work harmoniously and with the same aim, Harlech’s future and its Welsh culture.

“We are to discuss fund-raising opportunities with performers from the sporting and entertainment world, in the hope they will help us build a closely managed and administered regeneration fund to support the dwindling coffers within the treasury.

“We will update you when we know more, but is an exciting prospect for Harlech and Wales.

“There cannot be many settings created by nature that outshine this one.

“I am therefore looking forward to seeing the report commissioned by Government, due very soon, on what they feel is required to breathe life back into the area and how it is to be implemented.

“I know HIA will play its part and, with all that has been undertaken by the community, expect with optimism the Welsh Government to play theirs.”