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New sculptures crown Saltney Riverside Regeneration

Published: 04/02/2015

Four new sculptures have been installed on the cycle path between River Lane, Saltney, and Saltney Ferry footbridge. The sculptures are part of a multi-agency project on heritage, art, access and wildlife themes on the cycle path. The four bespoke 7 ft. sculptures by notable artist Mike Johnson have been created to reflect coastal light and the local plant life, which was identified by local school children on a site visit last year with Mike. “Each of the sculptures is different and depict cow parsley, horsetail, dandelion and common reed but the beauty is in the detail” said artist Mike Johnson. “Incorporated into each sculpture are items reflecting the industrial and natural heritage of Saltney and the River Dee, from cockles to candles, rivets from boatbuilding and items from the railway.” Making a defacto sculpture trail, the works include heritage references to the Ferryman of Saltney Ferry and, when added to the new footpaths, viewpoint, pollinator hedgerow, avenue of trees, interpretation panels and Saltney Sid sculpture, the impact of the whole riverside regeneration goes way beyond the individual improvements. “Incorporated into the sculptures is an interactive history trail that can be accessed by QR codes in each piece,” said Coastal Ranger, Karen Rippin. “It’s been a great effort on everyone’s part and it is well worth a look.” The project is a significant riverside regeneration scheme in partnership with Saltney Town Council, Flintshire County Council’s Countryside Service, Natural Resources Wales and Cadwyn Clwyd, Rural Development Agency for Flintshire and Denbighshire. The land is owned by Flintshire County Council and Natural Resources Wales. Cadwyn Clwyd secured the majority of funding for the project from the Wales Rural Development Plan, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government. “I am extremely proud of what is being achieved through this multi-partnership approach. This is a great example of coastal regeneration work in Flintshire and it represents a great investment in our community” said Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment. “Our aim now is to link this section of river front to Chester, putting Saltney clearly on the map as the Gateway to Wales.” Saltney Town Council Mayor, Councillor Alan Evans, said “We have seen our community firmly put on the Welsh map this year through our partners and we would especially like to thank Coastal Ranger, Karen Rippin, for delivering the project and Cadwyn Clwyd for funding 70% of the project work. Saltney Town Council is fully behind this project and we have also donated £12,000 towards the scheme. It’s great to see this scheme reaching completion” said Sarah Jones, Cadwyn Clwyd’s Environment and Heritage Officer. “We’ve been more than happy to support this excellent regeneration project on such an historic section of the Welsh coast and on the Wales Coast Path.” Images of the sculptures: