MP impressed with wharf's adaptions to leave lockdown

* From left, site manager Jane Hart, Simon Baynes MP, Neal and Irene Dufton, directors of Llangollen Wharf.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to Llangollen Wharf to meet with staff and learn more about how their boat trips on the Llangollen Canal have adapted to new social distancing guidelines.

The wharf, which is a major tourist attraction and part of the World Heritage Site, has offered trips around the area since 1884 and continues the tradition of horse-drawn boat trips as well as motorised boat trips today.

They have seen strong demand since re-opening and have adjusted well to new social distancing requirements, all of which is helping to make up for the loss of income during lockdown.

Mr Baynes met directors Neal and Irene Dufton, site manager Jane Hart and staff members including Cadan Edwards, Pip Bolton and Ash Hart as well as one of the horses, Tobias.

Neal Dufton said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome visitors back to Llangollen Wharf following our safe re-opening. 

"And we’re very grateful to the many visitors who have come to our newly re-opened tea rooms, which are almost back to pre-lockdown levels with additional takeaway business. 

"There’s also strong demand for our motorised self-drive canal boats and for the horse-drawn boats, so please feel free to come and enjoy our beautiful scenery with a perfect day out for all the family.”

Simon Baynes said: “Llangollen Wharf is a big generator of income for Llangollen not only in terms of the boat trips and tea room but also the benefits of the many canal boats which moor at the wharf and then visit the town. 

"It’s a major local employer, providing work for 41 people locally, and acts as an important source of tourist information for its visitors. 

"I’ve been so impressed to see and hear about how they’ve managed to safely re-open and I look forward to seeing them continue to bounce back.”