Green light for Zip World

PLANS for a Zip World site in the South Wales Valleys have been approved.

It means that work to build the park on the Rhigos, near Merthyr Tydfil, is now likely to start in January.

The North Wales tourism giant, which has 11 adventures spread over three Snowdonia sites, has been looking at setting up a site in South Wales for more than three years, but a cash injection from Lloyds moved the plans on.

Now the plans have been approved by the local council and work is ready to begin at the site of the former Tower Colliery.

Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council leader Andrew Morgan said: “Pleased to hear that the RCT planning committee have approved the plans for Zip World on the Rhigos Mountain.

“Not a signal public or statutory objection to the application. Look forward to this being opening in 2020.”

Sean Taylor, founder and president of Zip World said: “As a business we’re always looking to push the boundaries.

“We want to do for Welsh coal communities in South Wales what we’ve done for Welsh Slate in North Wales and create adventures that bring great tourism opportunities to the local area.

“I’m personally excited to work with the local communities and creating a lasting legacy and even having some fun along the way.”

News of the go-ahead – which was confirmed at a meeting on Thursday evening – has been widely welcomed.

Business expert Dylan Jones-Evans said: “Brilliant news. Zip World has been incredible in regenerating the slate valleys of North Wales. I am sure it will do the same in South Wales.” constructed and