Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar has welcomed news that a 6th Century well half-hidden in woodland in Denbighshire is to be restored to form the centrepiece of a planned religious tourist attraction.
St Dyfnog's Holy Well, which is on the North Wales Pilgrim's Way in Llanrhaeadr, near Denbigh, has fallen into disrepair and Darren, who chairs the Cross Party Group on Faith in the National Assembly, has been supporting efforts to see it restored for a number of years.
It was announced this week that a £300,000 religious tourist attraction, environmental centre and education facility will be developed at the site.
Darren said:
“This is absolutely fantastic news. The number of visitors to sacred sites is growing and I am extremely pleased that the Llanrhaeadr Preservation Society has decided to exceed the original plan of preserving the well from further deterioration and will instead create a £300,000 religious tourist attraction, environmental centre and education facility.
“The well already attracts a growing stream of visitors each year, but the development of this plan will ensure even more people come to visit.
“Local communities can benefit a great deal from the promotion of these sites, whether they are used for exercise in walking them as a part of a pilgrim route, for improving knowledge of local history or just for the sense of wellbeing that a visit to such places can inspire. Religious tourism is booming the world over and I pleased that North Wales is ensuring that it too benefits from this renewed interest in sacred sites.
“I have visited St Dyfnog's Holy Well many times and look forward to returning to see the development of these exciting plans.”
Picture Caption: Clwyd West AM Darren Millar at St Dyfnog's Holy Well, in Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch, near Denbigh.