A SCHEME hailed as a model regeneration project for the South West had a royal seal of approval on Tuesday when The Earl and Countess of Wessex officially opened Lakeside at Roadford Lake. The £1.4 million Lakeside project has brought a further improvement to one of the region?s top visitor attractions which has created employment for over 150 people. The new building includes a state-of-the-art visitor centre, IT suite and three function rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 170 people. Overlooking the 730 acre lake, the centre will add to the network of footpaths and bridleways, wildlife haven and birdwatching facilities, angling and watersports centre, all run by the South West Lakes Trust. During their visit The Earl and Countess met with the project funders, builders and members of the local community. They were entertained by the 27 pupils of Broadwoodwidger Primary School with two songs about the environment and the youngsters also demonstrated some of the educational aspects of the new visitor centre. Young Charlotte Hubbard, who was celebrating her fifth birthday, received some special attention from the Countess when she noticed her birthday badge. Ten-year-old Hugo Hannaford talked to Prince Edward about Ruby Red Devon cows and Culm grassland and said the couple were ?very friendly.? Lifton?s youngest sea scout Anna Tetley, 10, had the great honour of presenting the Countess with a bouquet and another gift was a hamper full of local food goodies. After unveiling the plaque to mark the official opening Prince Edward said: ?I would like to congratulate all those who made this project happen and I trust it will be extremely well used and appreciated in this part of Devon.? Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the South West Lakes Trust Cairns Boston said: ?We are delighted that Their Royal Highnesses are able to join us today for this momentous event. It marks yet another milestone for South West Lakes Trust, the region?s largest environmental charity. ?More than 100,000 annual visits are currently made to the lake and over 150 jobs exist as a result of the activities at Roadford,? he said. ?This is set to double as a result of current improvements. The Regional Development Agency has described this as a model regeneration project bringing employment, tourism and recreational opportunities.? Roadford Lake was built in 1990 and is the largest inland water in the South West. Lakeside manager James Platts said there was an education officer based at the centre with talks and workshops held educating people about the valley before it was flooded and promoting rural skills. The function rooms had already been used by the local community for parish council meetings and pre-school playgroup parties. Linda Banbury from Broadwoodwidger Parish Council, which contributed financially to the project, said Lakeside had brought the community together and created a central focal point for the parish.
