‘Demolish damaged pier as collapse is imminent’
PRESSURE is mounting for Colwyn Bay pier to be demolished amid fears it could collapse at any moment.
Planning bosses are set to decide next Wednesday whether or not to give permission for it to be taken down and replaced with a shorter pier.
It has been in a dilapidated state since being damaged by strong winds and heavy rain earlier this year. The council is keen to get consent before any winter storms, as part of the pavilion can now be seen sagging from underneath.
Concerns have been raised by experts that if it were to collapse it could contaminate the beach with asbestos.
A Listed Building Consent decision must first be made by a Welsh Government minister advised by Cadw – but that could take up to 12 weeks, meaning any dismantling works will have to take place during the winter.
John Freeley, of J Freeley Contractors, who are undertaking the dismantling, said: “The works need to be done sooner rather than later, and the winter months is not the right time. The dismantling work has weakened the structure further . There is potential it could collapse. They are looking into a net which could contain some of the waste if it did.”
Dr Roy Bichan, vice-chairman of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said: “This has now surpassed any need of planning requirement.
“The dismantling needs to be prompt before it falls into the sea.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said they would try to provide a decision quickly.