Fishguard and Goodwick has been selected to participate in a unique twinning project aimed at reinvigorating local town economies.

The twin towns have been paired with the northernmost town in England, Berwick-upon-Tweed by the Carnegie UK Trust.

In a new twist to the traditional concept of town twinning the aim is to pair towns within the UK with similar characteristics or challenges, but potentially with different back stories and approaches, to consider how to make positive change in the future.

 Both Fishguard and Berwick-upon-Tweed are steeped in history; with Fishguard the site of the last invasion of Britain in 1797 and Berwick-upon-Tweed being a walled town just 450 years ago.  Both towns are keen to capitalise on their historical significance by looking at ways to help increase footfall from visitors and residents in their respective town centres.

 Over the coming 18 months, both towns will build their ties, develop a body of evidence, receive economic planning support, and have access to catapult funds to kick start new commercial, voluntary and social enterprise activity.

The initial six months of the partnership will also see each of the towns devise a twinning action plan that could reignite their fortunes.

 Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade secretary, Jeremy Martineau, said: “This is a great opportunity to share ideas to tackle common problems. We have some notable successes and some equally dismal experiences.

“Ours is a vibrant and creative community that is learning how to pull together. We are having to recognize that we are a largely tourism economy, so our young people can look for a good career in hospitality. One challenge is how to present this wonderful area as an all year round destination.

“We look forward to the help that twinning with Berwick-upon-Tweed and the support of Carnegie can bring us.”