LLANGOLLEN is vying to become only the sixth ‘Cittaslow’ town in the UK.
Residents and businesses are being called on to support a “slow food” movement ahead of a bid to get Cittaslow accreditation.
If successful, Llangollen will be only the second town in Wales to get the title, after Mold.
Cittaslow grew out of the slow food organisation in Italy. The movement encourages people to use local businesses and delight in local produce and is now a worldwide organisation.
To get accredited a town has to meet a list of criteria covering the environment, infrastructure, urban fabric, local produce and products, hospitality and community and general Cittaslow awareness. An application is now being put together by a working group of volunteers in the town, supported by Llangollen Town Council.
Steering group member Sal Jefford, also sales and marketing manager at Pro Adventure in Llangollen, said the group so far included town councillors, local community groups and business people.
“Its like an ‘Investors in People’ accreditation, but for the town as a whole,” she said.
“It covers things like a commitment to source and use local produce, and making the town a welcoming place, not just for visitors but residents as well.
“We’re hoping to have the application completed and submitted before the summer, around May or June time.”
She said the movement was in part a “counterblast” to the negative impact of national chain stores on local businesses.
“I think Llangollen, like a lot of small towns, faces a lot of problems for its local retail businesses, particularly food businesses.
“We have a good selection of fresh food in Llangollen from local farmers, food producers and shopkeepers, and we don’t want to lose them,” she said.
Membership of the slow food group is open to individuals only, she said, but businesses and other organisations could become supporters and partners to help organise and promote group activities.
Future projects could include developing kitchen gardens in local schools, community cookery classes and taste education workshops, as well as tours of local farms, food artisans, specialty stores and wineries, and tastings to highlight local produce.
There could also be exchanges with other slow food groups, in the UK or abroad.
Other UK Cittaslow towns include Aylsham and Diss in Norfolk, Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland and the Scottish town of Perth.
To join or help email slowfoodllangollen@gmail.
com or contact Sal on 07786 623802.
For more information visit www.cittaslow.llangollencouncil.co.uk