Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is delighted to have received support for his campaign for a National Observatory for Wales from Dr Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Darren has been campaigning for the establishment of a National Observatory for Wales in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Park in order to promote scientific research in astronomy and to encourage scientists and other visitors to take an interest in coming north-east Wales.

In recent years, he has repeatedly raised the matter with Ministers in the Senedd Chamber, highlighting the benefits of such an attraction in North Wales.

Last week he met Dr Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society at the Senedd and discussed his campaign.

Speaking afterwards, he said:

“I have long been campaigning for a National Observatory for Wales in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Park and it was great to have the opportunity to discuss my hopes with Dr Massey, who was very supportive of the idea and open to working with me on it.  

“North Wales has some of the best dark skies and spots in the UK for stargazing. A National Observatory in the dark skies of the Clwydian range, which, of course, will soon be Wales's newest national park, could be located close to Wrexham University, with its centre of excellence, which has been doing some fantastic research at the OpTIC Technology Centre in St Asaph.

“Establishing a National Observatory offers potential not just for research, but also for tourism, and would be a major asset for bringing visitors to the region.

“I thank Dr Massey for meeting with me and I look forward to working with him on progressing this and securing a National Observatory for Wales.”