ABERYSTWYTH’S much-anticipated new skatepark and community area has officially been opened to the public.

Schoolchildren from nearby Ysgol Gymraeg had the opportunity to be the first to use Parc Kronberg, at Boulevard St Brieuc, after its official opening ceremony last Thursday.

The mayor of Aberystwyth Cllr Steve Davies started proceedings, and was joined in giving brief — somewhat inaudible due to the passing heavy traffic — statements by Carol Ann Kolczak of the Kronberg Twinning Committee, Ceredigion County Council chairman Cllr Lynford Thomas, and Rachel Richards of the Big Lottery.

Cllr Steve Davies said: “The park is a lasting reminder of the importance of building bridges with our European friends.”

Addressing the Ysgol Gymraeg schoolchildren, former mayoress and chair of the Kronberg Twinning Committee, Carol Ann Kolczak said: “Cherish it. Keep it clean.”

Rachel Richards, funding officer at the Big Lottery Fund, added: “The communities themselves have the solutions that matter the most to them.

“This isn’t about ignoring the needs of the community, it is about recognising the strengths that people bring.

“It is clear that the space is really somewhere that matters to the community.

“On behalf of the Big Lottery Fund, thank you. I am looking forward to seeing the project in the future.”

Bryn Jones, Penparcau Community Forum co-ordinator, said: “It is fantastic to see an eyesore turned into a fantastic community space.

“It is fantastic to see a gateway into the town turned into an attractive space for the community.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now