Denbigh walking project given seal of approval

A new Denbigh Walk has been given the seal of approval from a local family for its support for wellbeing.

Betty and Len Devine of Denbigh and daughter Heather Devine visited the starting point near Siop y Parc for the new Wellbeing Walking Trail for Lower Denbigh.

Managed by Streetscene, the project took its first steps thanks to the securing of grant funding via the Public Recreational Open Space Commuted Sums.

The trail across Lower and Central Denbigh, takes in six key stopping points where people can take a rest on new Friendship benches which have been made at Meifod wood products based on the Colomendy industrial estate in Denbigh.

Each bench contains an engraved QR code which walkers can scan to go to a web page which gives information on the nature surrounding where they are sitting.

The trail is designed to improve the visitor experience at key locations, central to Denbighshire and encourage people to take pride in their green spaces, improve understanding of the biodiversity and conservation value of these areas and deliver accessibility for all ages.

Betty and Len who like to walk around Denbigh, took an interest in the project after initially contacting the council about replacing an old bench at the location which is new start point for the trail.

They met up with the project lead Neil Jones, Streetscene Area Coordinator, to learn more about the trail and to look at the new bench style created by Meifod, one of which now sits in a favourite location for them.

Neil said: “Their daughter Heather contacted me earlier this year and expressed an interest in replacing the Siop y Parc bench on behalf of her parents as they have sat and enjoyed the old bench for so many years,

“At the time this project was in full swing so I told her about the project, and she was bowled over and couldn’t wait for her parents to enjoy sitting on the new bench.

Betty who likes to walk areas such as near the Brookhouse Mill, gave the project her seal of approval for giving people back a place to stop, meet and take in the sights on the Friendship bench whilst walking around the town.

“It’s surprising how many elderly people like myself get out and use places like this. Its lovely sitting here and watching everything going on, “she said.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport added: “Its lovely to hear such positive support for this brilliant project from the local community and I hope Betty and Len enjoy having a go at the walk to test out all the fantastic Friendship benches built by Meifod.”

To view the route please visit Wellbeing Walk: Lower Denbigh