WORK is well underway to construct a new landing facility at Newport Parrog, which once complete will be beneficial to both local people and tourists.

Cymdeithas Gychod Afon Nyfer a Harbwr Trefdraeth is behind the project which will see the construction of a self-supporting landing stage and steps to the river and foreshore.

Its main aim is to supply a usable and safe access to the water for walkers, fishermen and boat users. Its design, which will allow it to blend in with the area’s surroundings, features a flat decked and stepped wooden structure which will be supported by wooden piles driven into the ground adjacent to the river.

The organisation accrued a sum of between £20,000 and £30,000 towards the project, and substantial funding of £42,000 was secured from Natural Resources Wales’ Splash programme and £30,000 from the Crown Estate’s Marine Stewardship Fund.

The contract was awarded to Quantum and dredging work has already been completed. Engineers are currently in the stage of installing the wooden piles. The projected completion date is mid September.

Alun Davies, secretary of Cymdeithas Gychod Afon Nyfer a Harbwr Trefdraeth, said: “I’m very happy with the progress that’s been made. This structure is the first major structure that’s been built here since the stone walls were put up.

“We’re in dire need of something like this because we cannot get onto boats, you have to take a little dinghy out to get to larger boats, and I know of some cases where people have fallen in between.

“There will also be access for people who are partially disabled and we get colleges coming down here teaching people to sail, so it will be ideal.”

Ryan Pratt from Cooke and Arkwright, which acts as Managing Agents for The Crown Estate Commissioners Marine Estate in Wales, added: “I’ve been coming down to Newport for quite a few years now, and a new landing facility is something that’s been flagged up as something that would benefit the local community, so it’s great to see it finally come to fruition.”