AN historic Bangor landmark is proving very popular and is attracting more people than ever. Penrhyn Castle is boasting a 25 per cent increase in visitors over the last five years. Considerable investment in the National Trust attraction has seen its popularity soar to unprecedented levels. A £350,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund received in 1997 was invested in a new car park and toilets. In addition, £200,000 was recently ploughed into restoring the castle's Victorian kitchens. Even last year, as foot and mouth disease crippled the tourism industry, the castle saw a rise in visitors of two per cent. This success was highlighted at the Historic Environment of Wales Conference at Cwmaman, South Wales, last week. The aim of the conference was to bring home the importance of historic landmarks to future economic regeneration. Assembly Environment Minister Sue Essex said: "Historic buildings, monuments, historic landscapes and towns are part of our heritage, they give us a sense of pride and belonging. "Historic buildings contribute much to our social and economic development through tourism and reuseand regeneration of run-down historic buildings and areas." Penrhyn Castle spokeswoman Marian Gwyn said she believes the attraction's increased appeal has been down to heavy investment and a commitment to visitor care. | 
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