Rhyl Cut fly-tipping site transformed into fishery

After... The plan is to extend a "green corridor" from revamped Rhyl Cut

During... The work is expected to be complete within the next few weeks.

Before... Rhyl Cut was once used as a dumping ground

After... the pool is due to be stocked with fish next week

Land used by fly-tippers has been turned into a community fishery and recreation area in Denbighshire.

The £170,000 project saw 40,000 tonnes of material excavated at Rhyl Cut to create a pool and the earth used to build a mountain bike trail and traffic-free route for walkers.

The land had become an official dumping ground for years before the clean-up began in March.

Now the plan is to extend it as a "green corridor" through Rhyl.

Denbighshire council countryside officer Garry Davies said the transformed site has been well received by residents, leading to a community fishing club being set up.

There is now a five-year plan being drawn up to try to secure funds to cut a green route through the town to provide a traffic-free route.

"Because of the work started here we think we can do it," he said.

'Enjoy the environment'

In order to create the fishing area thousands of tonnes of material was removed from the Cut's flood alleviation channel to improve drainage.

It has since been used to create a near two-mile (3km) mountain bike course at the former tip at Glan Morfa at nearby Marsh Road.

ScottishPower relocated a high power electricity cable which was in the excavation area.

And the adjacent landowner at Marine Holiday Park allowed a path to be laid across the site.

The land falls within a Communities First area regarded as deprived.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is stocking the pool with roach, bream and rudd.

Local school children are due to help with their release next week.

Tim Jones from NRW said: "This project will enable the community and especially young people to enjoy the natural environment.

"It has transformed what was once an eyesore and a hazard to the public into an asset the people of Rhyl South West can be proud of."

The Federation of Welsh Anglers has agreed to show local people how to fish when the Cut is officially opened on 11 October.