Simon Hart visited sites in North Wales which are receiving more than £13m in UK Government funding to boost tourism and improve facilities.

The Welsh Secretary joined Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes and Wrexham Council on Friday 3 December to see how the money, allocated as part of the UK Government’s new Levelling Up Fund will be used.

A total of £13.3m was granted to the project in October’s Autumn Budget – part of the first round of successful bids for the £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund which invests in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centre and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets.

On Friday, Mr Hart, Mr Baynes and members of Wrexham Council visited the Trevor Basin, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the River Dee to learn how the levelling-up investment would benefit the area.

The Trevor Basin Technical Masterplan is one of three phases in the North East Wales project, the other two are involving improvements in and around Llangollen, as well as improving Corwen station and the creation of a walking / cycling route along the disused railway line between Corwen and Cynwyd.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

“The UK Government is completely focused on levelling up our communities, improving infrastructure and connectivity and creating opportunity for people right across Wales.

“We are aiming to provide investment where it’s needed and where it can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said:

“I am hugely grateful to the Secretary of State for taking the time to join us at the Trevor Basin to discuss the ambitious plans underway to level up Clwyd South and our communities in North East Wales, with the Trevor Basin masterplan, the investment in Llangollen and Chirk, and the proposals for the Corwen area.

“The projects have huge potential to benefit Clwyd South residents and visitors alike. They will not only provide jobs and a much needed economic boost to Clwyd South but also improve the well-being of our residents by widening access to recreation, outdoor and other amenity activities. And will celebrate the amazing history, language and culture of our part of Wales and bring them to a wider audience.”