Talacre artwork unveiled

A striking piece of artwork has been officially unveiled at the main roundabout leading to Talacre Beach.

Councillor Glyn Banks (Ffynnongroyw); Councillor Derek Butler, Cabinet Member for Economic Development; Craig Matthews from Camm Design; Mary Matthews from Camm Design; Councillor Sharon Williams (Gronant); Carol Dove, Project Manager at Flintshire County Council.

The lighthouse is made of mirror polished stainless steel and is nearly 3m tall with bead blasted waves at the bottom and a seagull that looks down the road towards Talacre.

The piece has been created by artists Craig and Mary Matthews from Camm Design in Birkenhead and has been sponsored by Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park.

The Council worked with the Talacre Steering Group and Artwork Committee and Flintshire Rural Partnership as well as consulting the local community on the project and eventually hope to install permanent artwork at three more locations in Talacre and Lower Gronant. Presthaven Sands Caravan Park has sponsored the Gronant artwork.

John Les Tomos, Chair of the Flintshire Rural Partnership said:

“It’s great to see public art being used to regenerate and attract visitors to our rural areas; the rural area has many assets which we should be proud of.”

Councillor Derek Butler, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said:

“This is a great addition to the area and looks stunning on the roundabout. We have thousands of visitors to Talacre every year and this artwork will enhance the experience and create an inspirational environment for local residents.”

A spokesperson for Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park, who sponsor the roundabout, said:

“We were delighted to support this new art installation. The lighthouse sculpture has already drawn praise from visitors to our holiday park and is fast becoming as much of a local attraction as the original Talacre Beach lighthouse. We hope that the sculpture will help us to welcome new visitors to Talacre and be a welcome landmark for those who are returning.”

This project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.