A model-size replica of Snowdonia is planned

The idea of the walk-around model - complete with a railway line - suggested for Bala in Gwynedd is to give visitors a taste of the area's attractions.

Husband and wife Toby and Stephanie Hickish are behind the �2.5m development, want to build a replica of the mountains, towns and landmarks of Snowdonia and north west Wales.

They hope the scaled down model of the region's landscape will net visitors passing through the lakeside town on their way to other nearby tourist destinations.

Developer Toby Hickish said: "We want to point out what they have on their doorstep.

It is good news which could be producing as near as 40 jobs which we badly need in the area Deputy mayor, Alun Price

"This model will be a starting point to a proper journey of discovery through the whole area.

"With a model of Snowdonia we can replicate a number of different aspects of the culture, archaeology, ornithology and natural history of the area and put that across to a much larger audience."

The couple claim at least 30 permanent jobs and 15 part-time seasonal jobs would be created.

This would be welcome news for Bala which was recently hit by job losses at the Action Makers scaffold-making factory in the town.

Landscape design

Bala's deputy mayor Alun Price welcomed the idea: "The town council is in favour of the proposed development having met the landowner and the developers who are hoping to bring this scheme to the town of Bala.

"It will ensure people see the central location of Bala and the natural environment here.

"It is good news which could be producing as near as 40 jobs which we badly need in the area."

The couple live in Sarnau near Bala where they run a garden company.

They intend to build the replica landscape themselves drawing on their experience as landscape designers and contractors.

The scale model would cover a site roughly the size of a football pitch.

Planning permission

Land on the outskirts of Bala, where the World Sheepdog Trials were held last year, has been identified as a suitable site.

Stephanie Hickish said they also want to create lots of different gardens with mazes for people to walk around.

"As well as a dragon maze we will have a garden and visitor centre and get people involved in sites of archaeological interest, possibly with a little display of Bronze Age artefacts," she said.

Other features would include scale models of buildings, working models of trains and boats, a restaurant, gift shop, woodland walk and picnic area.

Planning permission will be submitted next month and its hoped that it will be up and running by Easter 2005.