RHOS ON SEA residents could be enjoying the fruits of a new council plan with the creation of a community orchard.
Conwy County Council’s parks department are looking into the possibility of converting the green space at the rear of the Rhos Fynach into a public orchard, made up for around forty fruit trees.
Cllr Phil Edwards, Conwy County Councillor for the Llandrillo yn Rhos ward, said he favoured the development, which would be financed by planning gains funds.
“The planting of a fruit orchard is fairly unusual nowadays, but even more so when it's the Local Authority doing it,” he said.
“I expect the council would be happy to allow people to pick fruit as they walk through - it’s quite interesting.
“It won’t cost anything to do, it’s funded by planning gains money, so it won’t cost the taxpayer anything.
“This money which comes to the Council from developers as a planning gain for use in the community has been used for various projects such as providing play areas, new fencing an such like but this idea is quite new.”
The trees would grow to around 10-12ft and be spaced about four meters apart, stocking a variety of different fruits.
The unique proposal is thought to be the only of it’s kind in Wales, with new community orchards rarely created in the UK.
Cllr Edwards now wants to hear from Rhos on Sea residents with their thoughts on the proposal, before giving his backing to the plans.
“I would like to hear what people have to say about this - I have not given my response yet. I suppose some people would be concerned with losing the green space, but others would be pleased to welcome the orchard, so I would like to hear their thoughts.”
You can contact Councillor Edwards with your views on the proposal by writing to Conwy County Borough Council, Bodlondeb, Conwy, or by sending an email to cllr.phil.edwards@conwy.gov.uk.