Bike trails to launch

NORTH Wales mountain bike centre Antur Stiniog will this month formally launch its new trails that will create jobs and attract thousands more visitors to the area.

Legendary World Champion mountain biker Steve Peat will officially open the new trails on September 14 along with over 200 mountain bikers, and members of the local community.

The facility in Blaenau Ffestiniog already brings in 250,000 bikers a year and is expanding to meet demand.

They have created three new trails, and transformed one of the existing trails into a new ‘jump line’.

The recent development has been supported by the Tourism Amenity Investment Support scheme (TAIS) from Visit Wales - with funding through the EU backed Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme

Deputy Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “This scheme is an excellent way for us to assist the tourism sector to make the improvements to local facilities and amenities, and I’ve seen the improvements made in many areas with the help of this funding over the past year.

“Facilities such as footpaths, toilets, signage, car parking are often only noticed when the provision is lacking or not up to scratch – which shows that they are an important part of the experience that people have of Wales.

“This is also an investment by the public sector in amenities for those who live in the area and will benefit locals and visitors alike.”

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