Sand cleared during gale in Llandudno

Oct 13 2011 by David Powell, North Wales Weekly News

COUNCIL workers chose to clear sand from a cycle path in the midst of the recent high winds.

And predictably, no sooner had they cleared the sand away, than it was being blown back by gale force winds.

Residents branded the work “futile” and “costly” and say it has happened nine times this year already.

The workmen were in action on the path between West Shore, Llandudno and Deganwy last Thursday, even though the coast was being battered by a force eight gale.

Ruby Williams of Llandudno said: “Two guys with a Bobcat and a huge earth mover were clearing away mounds of sand from the cycle path, only for the prevailing winds from the sea to blow the sand back again. It was like a sandstorm in the Sahara, it was laughable.”

She claimed the workmen have been called out up to nine times this year but the cycle path only stays clear for a few weeks, even when the wind is not strong.

Ms Williams added: “How much does it cost to call them out? How long are council tax payers going to have to pay for this work? We don’t have a bottomless sandpit of money.

“A lot of people are asking why we don’t put the cycle path on top of the sand dunes next to North Wales Golf Club.”

Conwy County Council defended the work. A spokeswoman said: “Contractors are engaged to clear the sand in the first week of each and every month.

“Fencing has also been erected at specific points along the route in order to prevent sand accumulation. Any accumulation to the front and back of the fencing is removed on a quarterly basis.”