Confusion over Llandudno Junction document that features Deganwy pictures

Oct 22 2009

Llandudno Junction or Deganwy?

A MASTERPLAN to transform Llandudno Junction was passed by Conwy’s cabinet despite the report containing multiple inaccuracies and featuring a picture of the wrong town.

The document was commissioned by the council and the Assembly from Manchester-based consultation company Urbed.

The report was put together to prepare for the arrival of the Welsh Assembly Government’s North Wales base and its 600 staff next year.

The report plans to boost the economy and sets out objectives to improve the Junction’s transport and infrastructure, community, sustainability and the environment.

But the glossy photographs in the report erroneously feature images of Deganwy’s quay overlooking Conwy Castle, and the estuary between Llandudno and Deganwy.

Councillors also claimed the full report gets the name of local schools wrong.

During a cabinet meeting at Bodlondeb last week the mistakes drew criticism from councillors, who still gave the report their backing.

Speaking after the meeting Llandudno Junction councillor Mike Priestley admitted the report was below par in terms of its geography and hoped the mistakes were amended before the report went to public consultation.

"There are geographical inaccuracies that have been addressed, a couple of errors have been rectified," he said.

"The photos were not right. It was a nice view, but it would have been nice to have a view of Llandudno Junction.

"If they put these type of errors in when it goes out to the people of Llandudno Junction I would be disappointed.

"At the end of the day we’ve got to instil faith in the people of Llandudno Junction that we know what we are doing. If we’ve got the wrong picture it doesn’t do much for our credibility."

However, Cllr Priestley also believed the report was a step in the right direction. He said it was important in terms of setting out goals for the town so future funding could be accessed.

"What the report has done is identify what the community wants, what its aspirations are," he explained.

"I’d argue we would have projects ready to go as soon as we get the financing.

"I’d like to see the Assembly put money into Llandudno Junction.

"This time next year staff will be working at those offices, we need to encourage them to spend their money in Llandudno Junction.

"If you earn your money in Llandudno Junction and spend your money in the community it will mean a vibrant community."