A NEW community group, ‘Harlech in action’ is seeking the views of local people to see what their future vision is for the town.

During the past week, boxes have been placed at The Castle Hotel, Harlech Swimming Pool and other locations seeking the views of the public regarding what they would like to see in the town.

Cllr Caerwyn Roberts, who represents Harlech on Gwynedd Council, and chairman of ‘Harlech in action’ said: “A number of groups and individuals were keen that we form an umbrella group where everyone can be involved in seeing what we can do to boost the town and its amenities.

“We all know that funding is being cut across the board, and we cannot depend on seeking financial support from Town and County Councils for any new projects or services, as they are already struggling.

“By bringing everyone together, sharing ideas and seeking local people’s views, we can start to look at what we need to do to bring some prosperity and put some firm plans in place to bring some positive action into the town.”

Harlech Community Council, Harlech - the way forward, Harlech Tourism, local businesses and individuals all form part of the new group Harlech in action. Plans are afoot to visit youngsters’ school councils at Ysgol Ardudwy and Ysgol Tanycastell, so an over-arching consultation of adults and youngsters’ views are sought.

Cllr Roberts added: “There is no point whatsoever for us to put plans in place, seek financial support or match-funding for projects, without seeing what people actually want to see in the town.

"So we made the decision to start at our feet and ask people to share their views and vision for the town. In the next few weeks we will be collating the opinions posted in the town boxes and meeting again to put some priorities in place, and starting a course of action plan.

“We already know that the eyesore of St David’s Hotel is one issue that worries people. It gives a negative impression of the town, the only World Heritage site in Snowdonia National Park and we are all fed up of the blot it has on the town’s landscape. Seeing the hotel and the hall of residents in its present condition is detrimental to the tourism industry.

“I have already corresponded with the Welsh Government Minister seeking her intervention, but to no avail so far. I will continue to discuss the issue and seek any support available to us to try and resolve this matter.

“Tourism is so important to the area, and we are fortunate to have some great attractions, including the best golf course in north Wales, The Royal Saint David’s Golf Club here in Harlech.”

Anyone keen to share their views on a vision for the town of Harlech, should contact Councillor Caerwyn Roberts via email, [email protected]