Pier: to save or not to save

Public vote as opposing plans for historical landmark go on show

WILDLY opposing plans for a historic pier have gone on show in a face-off at a shopping centre.

Conwy council and Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust are presenting their visions for the future of the town’s 115-yearold landmark this week.

On Tuesday, shoppers at the town’s Bay View complex flocked to the two stalls – which are only 89 paces apart.

At the pier trust’s stall, shoppers put coloured beads into one of two jars marked “No, I Do Not Want To Save The Pier” and “Yes, I Do Want To Save The Pier”.

There were several hundred beads in the “save” jar and about 30 in the “don’t save” jar on Tuesday morning.

Melody Ashby on the trust’s stall said: “It has been very positive. There’s a large amount of people who’d like to see it renovated and restored, not necessarily in the old style but they would like to be able to use it.”

Among the proposals depicted on Conwy council’s information boards are an artist’s impression of an image of the pier’s first pavilion projected onto netting, which could be seen in the event of the pier’s demolition.

Another proposal would see the columns which currently support the pier left on the beach and illuminated.

A council spokesperson said: “Many people have stopped to talk to us. There have been a wide range of opinions, from people who feel very strongly that the pier should be restored at any cost to those that just want it gone.

“Consultant engineers have said Victoria Pier can no longer be considered stable and substantial parts of it are now at serious risk of collapse.

“Restoration would require a substantial injection of public funds, which the council does not believe is available. It is a danger to the public and a significant drain on scarce public resources. The council has taken the difficult decision to demolish the pier. The exhibition shows the proposals that will be submitted to the planning authority.”

Glenys Botfield, of Colwyn Bay, dropped in at the pier trust’s stall and backed the redevelopment. Mrs Botfield said: “If they had spent the money they spent on Porth Eirias on Colwyn Bay Pier, it would have been better.”

Last week, the council announced plans to demolish the grade II listed pier and keep 66% of its columns on the beach. The Heritage Lottery Fund is examining a bid by the trust for £9.1m towards a £12m redevelopment.

The stalls will be at the Bay View shopping centre until tomorrow (Friday) evening.