THE MP for Clwyd South Simon Baynes believes a £13 million 'levelling up' project for North Wales, including projects in his constituency, are vital for the area.

Mr Baynes was joined by Welsh Secretary Simon Hart on Friday, December 3 as they visited various sites across his constituency and in the wider Wrexham area to discuss the 'ambitious' plans.

He thanked Mr Hart for making the trip to see sites such as the Trevor Basin, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the River Dee and praise the plans.

Mr Baynes said: “I am hugely grateful to the Secretary of State for taking the time to join us at the Trevor Basin to discuss the ambitious plans underway to level up Clwyd South and our communities in North East Wales, with the Trevor Basin masterplan, the investment in Llangollen and Chirk, and the proposals for the Corwen area.

“The projects have huge potential to benefit Clwyd South residents and visitors alike.

"They will not only provide jobs and a much needed economic boost to Clwyd South but also improve the well-being of our residents by widening access to recreation, outdoor and other amenity activities.

"And will celebrate the amazing history, language and culture of our part of Wales and bring them to a wider audience.”

Part of the £13 million 'levelling up' project includes creating a new Dee Valley walking route in the area around the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage site, plus further works in Llangollen.

Mr Hart admitted he was delighted to visit the area.

He said: "The UK Government is completely focused on levelling up our communities, improving infrastructure and connectivity and creating opportunity for people right across Wales.

“It was fantastic to see the ambitious plans for the Dee Valley and surrounding area and learn how the major injection of funding we are providing will unlock the potential of all our local areas.

“We are aiming to provide investment where it’s needed and where it can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, said: “We are very grateful to UK Government for a successful Levelling Up Fund bid and the support of the local MP, Simon Baynes.

"The funding will make a significant difference to the Dee Valley from Corwen to Llangollen, to the Trevor Basin and Chirk."