Tears and a celebration for famous Rossett landmark
Many drivers through Rossett, and indeed residents, have wondered what has happened to the famous weeping willow tree which draped over the riverbank of The River Alyn at the Alyn Riverside Country Pub. The tree was a landmark for the village and had been there for many years. Some blamed its disappearance on the new owners of The Alyn, as it is known locally but in fact, Alex Smeaton and her husband were saddest of all and fought bravely to keep the tree. The tree with its extensive root system had to go as part of the Rossett Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Alex Smeaton, owner of the Alyn Riverside Country Pub in Rossett said;
“The last few months have been a challenge for us here at the pub with all the civil building works outside and we were upset when, despite initial optimism, the willow tree had to be removed. It was one of the many reasons why we bought the pub. We can’t replace the tree in all its glory but we have ensured future generations will have a new tree here on the same scale. Meanwhile the new landscaping looks great winter or summer, the pub is cosy and inviting inside and the food and service is even better. We have made the best of it.”
Last month, more than 120 residents and business people attended a celebration of the completion of the flood strengthening works at The Alyn. With the River banks bursting and recent threats of widespread flooding across North Wales, contractors Team Van Oord, who carried out similar works at Bangor-on-Dee and Mold, invited the Rossett community there.
Reverend Alan Suter from Christ Church Rossett who attended said: “The new bank looks beautiful and I know the residents have welcomed the completion of these works. The Alyn is now looking wonderful outside and when the finishing touches are in place it will be very dramatic indeed. I wish Alex and her team all the best with their business.”
The riverbank outside the Alyn is now decked out with fairy lights to add a festive “cheer’ to the pub’s surroundings outside as well as inside. Alex added; “We really got into the “spirit’ of Christmas with lots of special offers and we had a brilliant New Year’s Eve party with fireworks. There are great plans for Spring too. The riverbank will be replanted and there will be extra patio furniture introduced once we get our railings back in all their former glory.”
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Editors notes:
The Alyn Riverside Country Pub is nestled on the banks of the River Alyn in the village of Rossett, between Wrexham and Chester.
The interior of The Alyn has also recently been refurbished.
The Alyn Riverside Country Pub, Station Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HE is open all day every day from 11.30am until 11pm and food is served from noon until 9.45pm seven days a week.
Alex Smeaton and her husband also own The Holt Lodge Hotel, Wrexham Road, Holt, Wrexham LL139SW, North Wales and The Druid in Pontblyddyn.
For more details visit: www.thealyn.co.uk, Tel: 01244 570368 Email: enquiries@thealyn.co.uk
Contacts:
Jane Harrad-Roberts Consultant Director, Marketing Projects Email: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk Mobile: +44 7785 395705 Tel: +44 1244 330000 Press hotline: +44 1244 330101
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