Latest news with #LordNewborough
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Residents could finally get better access to train station that's bears village's name
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info While it bears the name of Dolgarrog - the Conwy Valley station has never really been particularly accessible to people in the village. The station is situated on the opposite side of the Afon Conwy from Dolgarrog with a rough and sometimes boggy track also in the way. This contributed to it serving just 612 passengers in 2017/18 - the lowest of any station in Wales that year. The situation was compounded in 2021 when the pipe bridge over the river closed to the public due to concerns over its condition. There were fears it would never reopen. But a campaign was launched, backed by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders and others, to get a crossing back. This eventually secured funding of £1.2m from Dwr Cymru and a £735,000 Welsh Government grant for Conwy County Borough Council to restore the bridge. This was reopened in 2023 and passenger numbers rose to just over 2,000 in 2023/24. But the paths from the village mean it's still not exactly a convenient option for locals or tourists wanting to use the Conwy Valley Line. Now though Conwy council has secured additional Welsh Government active travel funds for improvements to the existing Public Rights of Way, which connects Dolgarrog Railway Station to the B5106. The works are to be undertaken this financial year. The Local Authority is currently working on access agreements with interested landowners and will be aiming to undertake a public engagement exercise soon. Once the access agreements are in place, they will push forward with a procurement and construction phase programme. This would improve the path that emerges near the former Lord Newborough pub on the B5106. There are hopes that more money in the future could develop a link to Clark Street, which comes out in the centre of the village. MS Janet Finch-Saunders said: "Since the horrendous decision by Welsh Water to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge, I have been pleased to lead the group of stakeholders who have succeeded to convince the water company to make a massive U-turn, and secure a £1.9m investment. 'As part of that stakeholder group it was a pleasure to work with representatives of both Dolgarrog Community Council and Conwy County Borough Council. By working together we have delivered for our community. "In fact, I have kept up the pressure and am delighted that funding has been secured to build an active travel route between Dolgarrog and the railway station this financial year. A special thanks goes to the Local Authority officials who submitted the application and are working on the plans going forward. 'Whilst my understanding is that this phase of the development will see the route reach Dolgarrog by the old Lord Newborough pub, there remains and ambition to develop a route along Clark Street in the future, but that would require further funding. 'The most import point of all is that the bridge, which following our united community campaign, Welsh Water has thankfully invested significantly in, will now have high standard accessible paths leading to it. This is excellent news." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
12 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Live
Residents could finally get better access to train station that's bears village's name
While it bears the name of Dolgarrog - the Conwy Valley station has never really been particularly accessible to people in the village. The station is situated on the opposite side of the Afon Conwy from Dolgarrog with a rough and sometimes boggy track also in the way. This contributed to it serving just 612 passengers in 2017/18 - the lowest of any station in Wales that year. The situation was compounded in 2021 when the pipe bridge over the river closed to the public due to concerns over its condition. There were fears it would never reopen. But a campaign was launched, backed by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders and others, to get a crossing back. This eventually secured funding of £1.2m from Dwr Cymru and a £735,000 Welsh Government grant for Conwy County Borough Council to restore the bridge. This was reopened in 2023 and passenger numbers rose to just over 2,000 in 2023/24. But the paths from the village mean it's still not exactly a convenient option for locals or tourists wanting to use the Conwy Valley Line. Now though Conwy council has secured additional Welsh Government active travel funds for improvements to the existing Public Rights of Way, which connects Dolgarrog Railway Station to the B5106. The works are to be undertaken this financial year. The Local Authority is currently working on access agreements with interested landowners and will be aiming to undertake a public engagement exercise soon. Once the access agreements are in place, they will push forward with a procurement and construction phase programme. This would improve the path that emerges near the former Lord Newborough pub on the B5106. There are hopes that more money in the future could develop a link to Clark Street, which comes out in the centre of the village. MS Janet Finch-Saunders said: "Since the horrendous decision by Welsh Water to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge, I have been pleased to lead the group of stakeholders who have succeeded to convince the water company to make a massive U-turn, and secure a £1.9m investment. 'As part of that stakeholder group it was a pleasure to work with representatives of both Dolgarrog Community Council and Conwy County Borough Council. By working together we have delivered for our community. "In fact, I have kept up the pressure and am delighted that funding has been secured to build an active travel route between Dolgarrog and the railway station this financial year. A special thanks goes to the Local Authority officials who submitted the application and are working on the plans going forward. 'Whilst my understanding is that this phase of the development will see the route reach Dolgarrog by the old Lord Newborough pub, there remains and ambition to develop a route along Clark Street in the future, but that would require further funding. 'The most import point of all is that the bridge, which following our united community campaign, Welsh Water has thankfully invested significantly in, will now have high standard accessible paths leading to it. This is excellent news."
Business News Wales
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Sustainable Agriculture Champion Takes Top Award for Outstanding Contribution
A sustainable agriculture champion has scooped a top award at a major celebration of Wales' food and drink sector. Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025, held in Llandudno, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry. Sponsored by Food & Drink Wales, the award celebrated individuals who are leading the way in Wales' food and drink sector, and those who have demonstrated the ambition to turn bold ideas into successful businesses, and who continue to drive innovation, growth, and resilience across the industry. Lord Newborough is the driving force behind the Rhug Estate, a 12,500-acre property in North Wales. He is a prominent figure in the world of organic farming and sustainable agriculture, known for his pioneering work and dedication to quality. Rhug Estate has become internationally recognised for its organic produce, with Lord Newborough's leadership playing a key role in its success. Lord Newborough said: 'It's a tremendous honour to receive this award, especially among such inspiring peers in Wales' vibrant food and drink sector. Building a business in this industry demands vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to quality, and I'm proud of what we've achieved at Rhug Estate. 'This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and our shared belief in sustainable, organic farming. We remain ambitious about the future and excited to keep driving innovation and excellence in Welsh food and drink.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards, now in its fourth year, sees hundreds of Welsh producers and suppliers from across the sector join together to celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals that are innovating, scaling up, and creating employment in the industry and who will be an inspiration to others. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Welsh Government Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: 'The Entrepreneur of the Year award is a powerful reflection of the innovation, ambition, and resilience that define Wales' food and drink sector. It celebrates those who are not only building successful businesses, but also helping to shape a dynamic industry that is central to our economy, our communities, and our national identity. 'I warmly congratulate Lord Newborough of Rhug Estate on this well-earned recognition. His leadership and commitment to sustainable excellence are an inspiration to others across the sector.' The Welsh Government, through Food & Drink Wales offers a comprehensive support ecosystem for food and drink businesses, helping them grow sustainably and competitively. From financial aid and skills training to export assistance and innovation programmes, entrepreneurs benefit from a wide range of resources. Initiatives like the Scale-Up and Investor Ready programmes help businesses overcome barriers to growth, whether navigating post-Brexit challenges, rising energy costs, or supply chain disruptions. Since 2018, the Investor Ready programme has supported over 240 businesses, raising more than £22 million in investment and achieving a 97% average survival rate among participants. Access to market intelligence has also proven invaluable for businesses looking to expand and enter new markets. In addition, technical and commercial support through Project HELIX has played a vital role in helping companies innovate and expand. This is complemented by a robust cluster network that brings together producers, suppliers, academia, and government to foster collaboration and accelerate growth. With advanced infrastructure, high-quality raw materials, and strong government backing, Wales has become an increasingly attractive destination for investment in the food and drink industry. For more information about Food & Drink Wales and the support available, visit
