Major Sea Defence Work to Start at Old Colwyn Prom

MAJOR work is starting at Old Colwyn promenade in April to strengthen the Victorian sea defences and protect the promenade from future storms.

To protect the promenade from rough seas and high tides, Conwy County Borough Council will be installing a rock barricade from Rotary Way to Splash Point (by Old Colwyn Arches). The barricade will be up to 2 metres higher than the current promenade level. As part of the works, we will also add step access to the beach through the rocks, add new hand railings and construct a fishing platform. The £6.075m work is being funded by the Welsh Government’s Resilient Roads Fund.

The essential work means the promenade will be closed for up to 12 months, with traffic and cyclists diverted onto local roads and pedestrians diverted to the raised path at the back of the prom.

This work is the first major phase of improvements, following the first rock barricade installed at Splash Point (by Old Colwyn Arches) last year. The Council has overall plans for improving the promenade and sea defences along the stretch from Porth Eirias to Splash Point, which include raising the height of the promenade.

“This work targets the section of the promenade most at risk of collapse, which would be devastating for the important infrastructure it protects, including the A55 and the North Wales Coast rail line,” said Cllr Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation. “We are still looking for funding for future phases to protect the prom right to Porth Eirias.”

He added: “We are looking to provide community benefits wherever possible as part of these defence works. In this phase, that includes new step access to the beach and a fishing platform.”

Local councillor for Colwyn ward, Cllr Cheryl Carlisle said: “We’ve been fighting a long time for this to protect Old Colwyn promenade and preserve it for future generations. The alternative will be that the promenade will have to be permanently closed for safety reasons, which is in no-one’s interests.”

Cllr Brian Cossey who also represents Old Colwyn added: “I am so pleased Welsh Government have seen that there are issues with the Old Colwyn promenade and have been willing to provide a grant of just over £6million to provide some further protection to our sea defences. The disruption the work will cause will be worth it. I look forward to more grant money coming to us so we can complete the full upgrade of the defences.”