Row over plans for Betws-y-Coed tourism hub

Sep 23 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Betws-y-Coed clock

A BUSINESSMAN has dismissed a petition against his plans to create a tourism activity centre in Betws-y-Coed as ‘hearsay, assumption and misinformation’.

Despite growing opposition to his proposal to turn a disused football club building on Cae Llan village green into a National Tourism Hub, Tree Top Adventure director Sean Taylor said people will support him.

“I am confident once local objectors get the full facts about the development and realise the many positives it will bring to Betws-y-Coed and the surrounding area they will realise the many benefits the hub will create,” said the ex-marine.

“The silent majority in Betws-y-Coed are in favour of the project. I am in weekly dialogue to resolve any issues .

“I am aware of the petition which I feel is based on hearsay, assumption and misinformation.

“The simple fact of the matter is that the football committee can not afford to run and maintain the building due to lack of funding as their is no longer a football team, however there will be an agreement in place that should Betws in future have a football team they can use the facilities.

“All financial matters will be fully transparent and will be part of the public record and all the clubs liabilities will be paid. I have visited the community council to discuss the project and encourage people to contact me if they have any questions on the project.”

But Conwy Valley Fisheries and Conservation Association member Tony Godbert argues that the community building could be put to better use. He said: “This facility was built to benefit the community it was not built to enable commercial business to operate from it. The community applied for a grant from the Sports Council to build it and I doubt if the money would have been available if it had included a commercial outlet in the grant application.

“I urge everyone against these plans to sign the petition and voice their objections at planning.”

Former head of The Towers Outdoor Education Centre, Capel Curig, Phil Blain added: “Tree Tops development is an excellent addition to the area, however, I take exception to the proposed developments at Cae Llan. It belongs to the community, the Community Council’s failure to be open and frank is scandalous.”

Sport Wales Chief Executive, Huw Jones said: “Our main priority is that the community at large in Betws-Y-Coed has access to sport and recreational facilities. We hope that, whatever decision is taken, the needs and best interests of the community are maintained.

“As Sport Wales retains an interest in this facility we may have to consider taking measures to reclaim the grant amount in full, to protect the public investment, if we believe there has been any breach of the original contractual terms and conditions of the grant. ”