A Powys County Councillor is searching for nearly one hundred shareholders to secure land for a new park in Llandrindod Wells.
At the top of Quarry Lane is a 20 acre parcel of land which has recently been put onto the market by McCartneys with a guide price of £75,000.
However it is not any chunk of land as it contains not only quarries of international importance for fossils but also a variety of habitats and incredible views. The proposed park would look to open - or at least partly open - in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.
Cllr Jake Berriman, who is behind the effort to secure the land which, said: “Last week I learnt that a 20 acre parcel of land at the top of Quarry Lane had been put onto the market by McCartneys with a guide price of £75,000. Sealed tenders are invited to be received by 3pm on November 26 2021.
“The site contains old quarries of international importance for fossils, an abundance of habitats, extensive views to the horizon and a huge potential for a new town park.
“I am seeking 99 other people, who share a similar vision, to buy a £1,000 share and help establish the “Llanfawr Town Park Trust” to manage the park.
“Together we would purchase the site, securing it for the town’s people in perpetuity, develop a plan for its use, secure lottery funding, arrange for works to be done, paid and voluntary, and to open the site (or parts of it) for the Queens Platinum Jubilee in the summer of 2022.”
The Liberal Democrat, who represents Llandrindod North, said the Community Land Trust will be open to ideas about what the park may be able to offer the town as well as what could be included.
Cllr Berriman said that thoughts have been “bouncing around his head” including safeguarding the fossils and wildlife.
He said: “Thoughts which have been bouncing around my head include: Safeguarding the fossils, but offering guided tours, planting new trees for fruit, wildlife and to offset our collective carbon footprint, new way-marked healthy-walking walking paths, mountain bike trails, a fenced dog-exercise area, picnic tables, wildlife information boards, a memorial garden, a shareholder plaque, a new Incredible Edible site for community gardening etc.
“Potential shareholders can purchase as many shares as they wish and offer themselves as a trustee. I am very keen for potential shareholders to come forward to take an active role in helping to: establish the Trust - so perhaps town solicitors, help make the bid offer - so perhaps town estate agents, help with the finances - so perhaps town accountants, help with estate management - so perhaps local land surveyors or neighbouring farmers, help with future funding bids or provide the expertise we will need around fossils, wildlife, and recreation.”
To help bring his vision to fruition, Cllr Berriman has suggested the release of 100 shares worth £1,000 to make a competitive bid for the site.
However, he also said the owners retain the discretion to accept a lower bid in the community interest.
Cllr Berriman - pictured above - said: “If that is the case, then I am suggesting than any residual capital is used immediately to obtain public liability insurance, begin to address any obvious health and safety issues, and secure the SSSI.”
After only three days, the councillor received 14 firm pledges totaling £16,000 which Cllr Berriman described as a “brilliant start”.
Cllr Berriman also said there are “half a dozen conversations running behind the scenes” with other potential investors “whom want to see the site retained in a sympathetic way, with open public access and the safeguarding of the internationally important fossil quarry”.
Cllr Berriman has asked that anybody who is interested in helping - whether by pledging to purchase a share or in any other way with setting up the trust as it progresses - contacts him on Facebook via his official page “Councillor Jake Berriman Llandrindod North”.