A NORTH Pembrokeshire woodturner is set to open a new business in Cardigan that will also give other specialist producers the chance to display their works.

Jason Wilkins has run Jason’s Wood Craft from a workshop at his Abercych home since 2017, producing individually handmade, original hardwood pieces with wood sourced from within a 10-mile radius.

Now he is looking to branch out by setting up a new venture at an old forge building on The Strand, in Cardigan.

“I have been looking for a new site for about a year rather than working from the shed at home,” said Jason.

“I needed somewhere I can sell direct to the public. The forge building will be just perfect.

“It’s been about 10 years since it was used but it’s ideal and I am so excited about the project.”

People will be able to go in and watch Jason work, while other artisan crafts will also featured, such as pottery, glass jewellery, drift jewellery and ethical clothing and accessories.

“I have met many of these people over the last couple of years while at shows and they are all keen to be involved in the project,” said Jason.

He plans to put a glass front on the forge, shelving inside and a log burner so people can drop in and sit around and watch him work.

“I want there to be a community aspect to what we are doing and there’s so much going on in Cardigan now with arts and crafts. There’s a great feel to the place,” added Jason, who hopes to be open by the beginning of September.

Sally Bullingham-Taylor, who runs Just Ethical Threads at St Dogmaels, is delighted to be involved in the project.

“The building has been empty for 10 years but it is great to see it being brought back to life and being used both as a business and a community space,” she said.