Amlwch and Holyhead 3G campaigns highlighted at Senedd

Calls from two Anglesey towns for new  3G sports pitches have been given a timely boost after being highlighted in the Senedd.
In 2018, national team manager Ryan Giggs opened the island’s first such facility at Plas Arthur in Llangefni, built at a cost of £200,000.
Funded thanks to a variety of sources, including the local authority, Anglesey Council recently announced that a similar – albeit smaller – £80,000 pitch will soon be installed in Menai Bridge.
But calls have been made in both Amlwch and Holyhead for similar investment in their towns – with the latter’s existing Astroturf having experienced several issues over recent months including regular waterlogging and issues over its day to day running.
A not-for-profit community interest company, Amlwch Community Sports, has also been set up with the aim of seeing such a facility built there.
In a bid to highlight their campaigns, the island’s AM rose the need for more such facilities in the Senedd on Wednesday.
With 77 new 3G pitches having been invested in across Wales due to Welsh Government funding, there is target of reaching 100 pitches by 2024.
But according to Rhun ap Iorwerth, more investment is needed.
In a question to the minister for culture and sport,  Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I look forward to following Wales to Azerbaijan later this year, but we won’t be able to do that in coming years unless we invest in the grass roots.
“There’s a wonderful 3G facility in Llangefni and there’s going to be investment in upgrading facilities in Menai Bridge.
“We truly need new 3G pitches in Holyhead and Amlwch, and I’ve held meetings already with representatives of those communities, who are willing to do whatever is necessary to bring that investment in.
“The local authority has a plan to invest over the next few years, but we need that investment now.
“I  ask for a commitment from the Government to work with me and with others to ensure that we explore all means possible of drawing the funding in to bring these resources, which are so crucial, not only for the future of the beautiful game but for the health of our nation too.”
In response Dafydd Elis Thomas AM said, “Naturally, I’m going to agree with that. I had the opportunity of opening a new pitch in Parc Eirias in the county that I live in, and I know how important this resource is for all sorts of sporting activities where these pitches are suitable.
“So, what I will do is convey what has been said here today to Sport Wales and ask for a further report on the progress that they’re making in Ynys Môn in particular.
“I accept that it’s not possible to have international football in Wales unless it includes Anglesey as well.”
Last month, members of Holyhead Town Council were told that a new 3G pitch to replace the Millbank facility would cost at least £150,000 and is achievable only after existing drainage issues are sorted out.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter