Oakwood 'interest' in garden

Several interested parties are considering taking over Middleton

The businessman behind one of Wales' top tourist attractions has confirmed an interest in taking over the troubled National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Patrick MacNamara, who owns the Oakwood theme park in Pembrokeshire has discussed a possible takeover of Middleton.

Another businessman to emerge as a possible interested party is Martin Morgan, the owner of the award-winning five-star Morgan's Hotel in Swansea.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales' Wales@Work programme, Mr MacNamara confirmed he spoke to Middleton's former chief executive, Evelyn Thurlby, while she was in post.

The garden, at Llanarthne in Carmarthenshire, is being kept open by emergency cash handouts from the Welsh Assembly Government, Carmarthenshire Council and the Millennium Commission.

But Mr MacNamara said he was waiting for politicians to decide the future direction of the garden before taking his interest further.

Brink of closure

Earlier this month the garden was on the brink of closing when it emerged it had reached the end of its £2m overdraft.

But Carmarthenshire Council's director for strategic projects, Robert Sully, told BBC News Online that there were several parties interested in taking over the attraction, which has suffered from low visitor numbers.

He said: "The council and other organisations with an interest in the garden are in discussion with interested parties.

"It's very early in the process but we remain very hopeful for the future of the garden.

"These names would be well known in Wales."