A MULTI-MILLION pound boost in Denbighshire has been widely applauded.

Ruthin has been announced as one of 11 places/projects in Wales that will receive money from the latest round of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The bid is worth almost £11 million and will pay for improvements to the townscape of Ruthin, as well as providing new community facilities in the villages of Bryneglwys and Gwyddelwern and visitor facilities at Moel Famau and Loggerheads.

Ruthin's deputy mayor Cllr Anne Roberts said: "I'm absolutely delighted as you can imagine.

"It will mean we can go ahead with some amazing projects, throughout the town, which will be a huge benefit for residents in the future.

"Ruthin Town Council has contributed to plans for the Square and surrounding area, and also Cae Ddol.

"Very exciting plans which I can't wait to see reaching completion."

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, who represents Ruthin on Denbighshire County Council, said: "It's fantastic news.

"So much hard work has gone in from Denbighshire County Council, Ruthin Town Council, local volunteers and the local MP David Jones.

"This will hopefully result in a new lease of life for our town, facilities and the youth in having a new park."

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Denbighshire County Council leader Cllr Jason McLellan, who is also the council's lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, added: "We are... delighted with the announcement of the funding for the bid for Clwyd West, which recognises the significant value of our submitted projects and the wide-reaching benefits they will bring for our residents and communities.

"It has been a truly collaborative process and we look forward to continuing to work progressively with our communities as we move forward.

“I would like to thank the Denbighshire County Council staff who have worked on this project, as it is their hard work and dedication that has led to the success of the Clwyd West bid.

“The council worked closely with the MP for Clwyd West, members and local groups and organisations and submitted a strong cohesive bid in this highly competitive second round.

"The dedicated involvement and contribution to the Levelling Up Fund project development by all involved has been greatly appreciated.”

A total of 11 projects in Wales have been allocated more than £208 million from round two of the Levelling Up Fund.

It is intended that the projects will create jobs, drive economic growth, help restore people’s pride in the places where they live and spread opportunity more equally.

Clwyd West MP David Jones: “The successful Levelling Up Fund bid will be transformational for Ruthin.

"St Peter’s Square, in particular, will benefit enormously from the removal of the traffic roundabout, which currently spoils the Square’s symmetry.

"The improvements will create an unimpeded open space that may be used for concerts and other public events.

“There will also be imaginative improvements for St Peter’s Church, Nantclwyd y Dre, and the gaol, all of which should increase visitor footfall in the town.

“Combined with the improvements at Moel Famau and Loggerheads, the tourism economy of the area will be significantly boosted as a result of the bid.

“I have worked closely with Cllr Hugh Evans, the former leader of Denbighshire County Council, Graham Boase, chief executive, and Emlyn Jones and Gareth Roberts, the two officers tasked with delivering the bid.

"All have worked hard and effectively and I am immensely grateful to them. I am also grateful to Cllr Gavin Harris of Ruthin Town Council for his imaginative ideas.

“I now look forward to helping deliver the successful scheme in early course and will continue to work closely with the councils.”