LOCAL people keen to unlock Holywell's potential as a quality tourist destination are being invited to join a new working group. A meeting will take place at 6pm on Monday at the Pendref Chapel Schoolroom on Park Lane to discuss the possibility of setting up an organisation to replace the Holywell Forum. The group will differ from the forum, as it will focus specifically on schemes to develop the tourism potential of the town and surrounding area. The forum set the foundations for the future by leading various projects to attract visitors to Holywell, such as the Townscape Heritage Project in the Well Hill and Well Street areas of the town. It also played a part in ensuring the 'eyesore' of the former St Winefride's School on Well Hill was transformed into a housing complex and the Beaufort Hotel was restored. Ambitious plans to transform the ruins of the old Woollen Mill Shop next to the historic well into a craft centre with cafe in the near future were also overseen by the forum. Roberta Owen, who called the meeting said although these projects are not specifically about tourism, they are essential components in the long-term drive to make Holywell capable of inspiring a strong sense of civic pride and inviting visitors. 'This town is unique in Britian in possessing an ancient healing shrine such as St Winefride's, although many residents do not seem to realise the significant potential of that,' she said. Among the many issues the new group hopes to investigate is the lack of facilities for disabled people, despite the fact the town calls itself the 'Lourdes of Wales' and has a long tradition of pilgrimage. Roberta said: 'So one of the schemes we are keen to promote is a circular walk, encompassing part of the Greenfield Valley and the Holway Level and passing through the town centre, which would be both beautiful and interesting, but which would also be accessible to disabled people.' | 
