PARK HANDED TO COUNCIL
10 acre leisure site saved
A DEAL to hand over a popular public park has secured its very future, according to Holyhead’s elected representatives.
On Monday, Holyhead Park was officially transferred from Anglesey Council to Holyhead Town Council, ensuring its continued use as a recreational area.
The 10-acre site on South Stack Road, consists of bowling greens, tennis courts, mini golf course, cycle path, children’s play area, public park and pavilion building.
As a non-statutory service, Anglesey’s leisure service has seen significant budget cuts in recent years. This means that it has not been able to continue operating certain facilities or provide as many services.
Planning, Public Protection and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Richard Dew, welcomed the site’s transfer.
He said, “We recognise the importance of leisure services to our residents and communities, both in terms of recreation and health benefits.
“Un fo r t u nat el y , Council funding is limited and we’ve been faced with a number of stark choices – including the future of Holyhead Park.”
“This handover is the result of a great deal of hard work between the County Council and Holyhead Town Council. I’m delighted that together we’ve found a way to ensure that residents can enjoy the facility for many years to come.”
Anglesey’s Commercial Leisure Manager, Gerallt Roberts, said, “We were always committed to working in partnership to keep the park open.
“A great deal of time and effort has gone into securing a successful handover and we will continue to collaborate with the town council to safeguard this important leisure facility.”
The transfer will also provide an opportunity for Holyhead Town Council to secure new investment to improve quality and increase usage, who are awaiting the result of a Lottery funding bid to improve the facilities and the pavilion to provide modern cafe facilities.
Mayor of Holyhead, Cllr Ann Kennedy,went on to say, “We’re are very optimistic that we will secure funding from the lottery and other sources.
“The public consultation was very successful with a number of ideas coming from all ages in the town.
“Our young people in particular had exciting ideas for the Park. We look forward to working with the people of Holyhead so that the Park becomes a venue for locals and visitors alike.”