Walkers are welcome

Prestatyn & Meliden Welcomes Walkers Prestatyn & Meliden has become the first in Wales to receive the accolade of a “Walkers Are Welcome” town. As the organisers of the highly successful annual walking festival, Prestatyn Walking Festival, have been campaigning to get “Walkers Are Welcome” status for the town and are pleased to announce that the criteria has now been met. Prestatyn has become the third town in the U.K. to receive the award. Malcolm Wilkinson, Vice Chair of this community based group said. “We’re delighted at the way our campaign has fired up people’s interest and enthusiasm and a national launch with a special event is to be held in October this year to celebrate the award.

Over 500 local residents signed a public petition which was recently presented to Prestatyn Town Council who fully endorsed the idea with a formal resolution in support of the scheme. It is seen as an important part of towns’ regeneration plans. The campaign also received dozens of letters of support from national, regional and local organisations who all welcomed the idea in the hope it will be taken up by other towns and villages in Wales. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the people who signed the petition and who wrote letters of support and encouragement.” As a “Walkers Are Welcome” town, Prestatyn can use this status to effectively promote the area and attract more visitors resulting in valuable economic benefits for the town. It is hoped to improve facilities for both visitors and local people including the monitoring and maintenance of the town’s many public rights way footpaths working in association with Denbighshire County Council and Countryside Services. The creation of way marked trails from the town centre is also planned. Prestatyn is famous for its sunny sands and coastline with rolling dunes, but is also considered as the northern gateway for walking in North Wales with good national transport links. It not only boasts the start (or end) of the Offas Dyke National Trail but also features the North Wales Path, Clwydian Way and recently launched Dee Way. The area is rich in history and the surrounding countryside offers walks in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature reserves and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The group believes the award will strengthen the towns’ reputation as a centre for walking and encourage the use of public transport in its marketing material. Prestatyn can be reached by rail or bus with regular services offering good connections. The concept of a “Walkers Are Welcome” town has been pioneered by Hebden Bridge and the idea is being taken up by many other towns throughout the U.K. Moffat recently become Scotland’s’ first town to the receive the award. The wonderful help and support offered by the Walkers Action Group in Hebden Bridge has been considerable and truly appreciated. Fully endorsed by the Ramblers Association GB and Wales, the scheme is seen as a key part of promoting walking for all as a healthy recreational activity using our stunning countryside, hills and coastline. The town’s “Walkers Are Welcome” status will be officially launched on Saturday 6th October at a “Walkers Day” event which will include some well known national speakers. The day will also include workshops, displays, stalls and of course a choice of guided walks and ambles around the area. Malcolm Wilkinson Vice Chair & Treasurer Prestatyn Walking Festival

For further details please contact Malcolm on 01745-888137 or by e mail using malcolmray@supanet.com.

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