Work is set to begin this month on a £1 million improvement programme at Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare in Wales.

A new glazed reception/tourist information area will be created, the cafe and kitchen area updated and public conveniences improved, as the Country Park is developed as a tourism gateway. Caravan provision will be expanded from 25 to 35 pitches and the camping area from 10 pitches to up to 60 pitches. Both the caravan and campsite areas will be serviced with water points and individual electricity hook-ups on all the caravan plots and a large majority of the campsite pitches.

Funding for the scheme has been secured from the Heads of the Valleys Programme by Rhondda Cynon Taf Tourism team and Council partners. Due to the extent of the redevelopment works, the park's visitor centre will be closed from December 2008 to March 2009.

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Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: "We are delighted that this investment is being made at Dare Valley - one of Rhondda Cynon Taf's premier tourist attractions.

"We apologise to the public for any inconvenience caused by the closure of the visitor centre. Fewer people visit over the winter months and it means that the development can take place over a shorter period. We also have to take into account health and safety issues and it would be very difficult to keep the centre operational while work is underway.

"We are all looking forward to welcoming the public to a much-improved facility in Spring 2009."

Dare Valley Country Park is spread over 500 acres of countryside, just a mile from Aberdare town centre. It was Britain's first country park to be developed on former industrialised land. Visitors can stay in a residential centre or at the touring caravan and camping park, which is an ideal base for exploring the area.

(CD/JM)