Work to start on £2.5m river plan

A landing stage will improve the lot of local fishermen

More moorings for boat users and paths for walkers and cyclists will be part of a £2.5m project along the Teifi estuary in mid Wales.

The aim of the scheme at the beauty spot, near Cardigan, is to increase visitor numbers.

The work, which will take three years, is due to start on 15 October.

The plans were announced in 2003, but can now go ahead because funding has been confirmed.

The money includes more than £1m from Europe's Objective 1 programme.

Great news...the aim is to enhance visitor enjoyment Ray Quant, Ceredigion councillor

Local councillor Keith Evans, who chaired the group bidding for the European funding said the river was one of the area's main assets.

"There is a need to improve access to the water, which would result in increased boating activity and mooring provision," he said.

"There is also a need to increase landward access to the estuary and it is therefore intended to develop cycling and walking opportunities in the immediate area."

The first step will be to develop the estuary for boating by improving three slipways, dredging some of the Teifi, increase the number of moorings from 200 to 300 and build a new landing stage.

Otters are now seen more often along the estuary

In the second phase of work Prince Charles' Quay will be renovated and a visitor management centre will be built there.

Finally, work will be concentrated on encouraging more people to enjoy environmental attractions.

One already present near the estuary is the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve, run by the West Wales Wildlife Trust, which has a growing otter population.

Cycling and walking trails, as well as a bus service linking attractions within the Estuary Zone, will also be worked on.

A new landing stage is also planned and could see the start of pleasure trips around the Cardigan coast.

The project also aims to help the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve

Ceredigion council's cabinet member responsible for economic development, Ray Quant, said: "Great news. This project will help us to realise one of our strategic aims in Ceredigion.

"The aim here is to promote access and enhance visitor enjoyment of the natural environment and historical heritage.

"The project will provide a platform for encouraging increased sustainable tourism opportunities and increase tourists to the area."

Last year the council bought historic Cardigan Castle for an estimated £500,000 and aims to develop its visitor potential.

And a £15m project to develop the town centre Pwllhai site for a discount food outlet providing 150 new car parking spaces was announced in April last year too.