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Business Sector: Town
Location: Amlwch, Anglesey LL68
Website: under construction
Part of Initial Anglesey Pilot Project – March 2021
About Amlwch
Amlwch is located on the north east of Anglesey, and the town has a history steeped in industrial heritage. It came to prominence in the 18th Century when nearby Parys Mountain became the world’s biggest copper mine, and the harbour was extended to accommodate the ships needed to transport the copper ore, making it the most important port in the whole of Wales. It also had a thriving shipbuilding industry with two shipbuilding yards building schooners. Today, Amlwch is a popular destination for visitors as it offers plenty for them to see and do, and it is proud to be the first town on the island and of Wales that is striving to become recognised as a destination attraction that is fully accessible.
“Menter Amlwch, a social enterprise, has the vision of redefining Amlwch as a 21st Century destination, celebrating the history and offering a mix of business and social amenities attractive to local communities and visitors, making Amlwch a town of renewed pride.” Directors, Menter Amlwch
The Challenge
As with any town, its infrastructure can make accessibility an issue. Amlwch community has shown by working together, embracing change and considering how to improve existing or developing new facilities, the town has put the user experience of safety and accessibility at the core of its plans to become a major tourist attraction. The town is focusing on three areas initially to make the town more accessible:
- Dementia Friendly
- Autism Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
Supporting the Solution
The existing Anglesey Coastal Path will be developed in Summer 2021 with the creation of a new loop to take visitors round Amlwch Port. As much of the path as possible will be wheelchair friendly, and additional seating will be located in vantage positions. Signage will highlight all the old buildings and describe the port’s history, and where possible modern technology will enable lights and sounds to recreate the “feel” of the Port.
In June 2021, a Heritage Centre on Mona Street will open which will celebrate Amlwch’s heritage. The centre will be fully wheelchair accessible and as well as displays, there will be an interactive website and an App.
Oriel Amlwch craft shop is offering exclusive ½ hour shopping appointments one Sunday a month. This is open to anyone who has been self-isolating or suffers from panic attacks, anxiety or other health issues requiring a more personalised shopping experience. For details and a contact number to book an appointment, please visit www.facebook.com/groups/orielamlwch.
Caru Amlwch has created a community allotment with raised beds and a nature park, both with easy access from the car park. Anyone interested in gardening with walking difficulties or other physical disabilities can access these at any time of the day for free, and there is also a children’s plot where budding gardeners can get involved with planting and weeding for free.
Accessibility training is being run with businesses and community groups, and signage and a map of the town will highlight disability friendly places including businesses that have signed up to the Sunflower and Forget Me Not Schemes, and quiet spaces to visit and quiet facilities available in cafes and restaurants.
All shops, businesses and community activities that meet a set of accessible standards will display the Amlwch Gwenu/Amlwch Smile logo. As in Alice in Wonderland, when the Cheshire Cat disappears all that is left is the smile, Amlwch wants visitors to remember their visit to Amlwch with a smile.
Amlwch has an ambitious project and this is just the start. Future developments include a floating pontoon in the Harbour to enable people with accessibility issues easy access to the boats offering sea fishing trips; red seats in the public toilets to help people with dementia, and an adult changing table and hoist to be installed at the Dinorben Arms Hotel.
The Benefits
As Amlwch takes the lead on accessibility and strives to become Wales’ first fully accessible town, visitors will know that the town exceeds current accessibility standards with the removal of all physical barriers to create an accessible, safe and anxiety-free place to visit where all visitors are welcomed with the Amlwch Smile.
How is PIWS supporting Amlwch
Amlwch has agreed to work with PIWS to add new campaigns/symbols each year to improve their offering.
Current Access Statement
