A DERELICT patch of land in Borth — labelled an “eyesore” — could get a new lease of life after plans were revealed to turn it into a sailing school.

The site of the old Leri Garage, on High Street, has remained derelict since the garage was decommissioned several years ago, and was until recently listed for sale with Aled Ellis & Co estate agents with a guide price of £300,000.

But one former Borth resident, Emma Heathcote, who lives with her daughter Lotti in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, while working at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is leading a proposal to develop a “major sailing centre” at the site.

Ms Heathcote, who lived in Borth for 15 years and was an RNLI lifeboat crew member for two of those years, told the Cambrian News: “Our proposal offers hope for a derelict strip of land in Borth, which has long been an eyesore in the village.

“The Ysgol Hwylio Borth Sailing School is expected to attract all-year-round visitors from across the UK and I hope to develop Borth as a major sailing centre in mid Wales.

“The sailing school will provide new jobs in the village and will have a major impact on the prosperity of other local services."

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