Action plan to clear sand nuisance on Llandudno's West Shore

Jun 25 2009 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

SAND blighting the lives of people on Llandudno’s West Shore could soon be a thing of the past.

For years, residents have been complaining that wind-blown sand is blocking their driveways, marring the area’s appearance, while access to the cycle path has also been restricted.

Now Conwy County Council is pledging to tackle the issue.

Mike Pritchard of West Shore believes the prom needs regular cleaning.

He said: “The West Shore promenade is an absolute disgrace for visitors.

“The yachting pond in one area is completely full of sand and algae is building up on the surface.

“It is unhealthy and needs to be dealt with immediately.

“There needs to be a proper regime for maintaining the promenade and hopefully then it will attract more visitors.”

The build-up of sand is also affecting the cycle route between West Shore and Deganwy, as the track is almost permanently covered by sand.

One cyclist said: “I have to pick my bike up and walk with it over the sand. It can be quite deep so it is impossible to pedal through it.”

Although West Shore has always been plagued by wind-blown sand, the problem increased with the introduction several years ago of new sea defences when sand was imported to the beach.

“There are many dissatisfied moans about the state of the West Shore, particularly the area around the boating pool and the White Rabbit statue, and I am working with officers and the town council to introduce a proper maintenance schedule for the clearance of the sand,” said the county’s cabinet member for the environment Mike Priestley.

It has now become so bad, with piles of sand several feet deep in places, that Cllr Priestley recognises drastic measures are needed.

“The council has just purchased new equipment to move sand and for beach maintenance, and I want a proper schedule to be set for this work to be done.

“I appreciate the sand is not just an annoyance and inconvenience to residents who have to clear it from their properties, but might possibly have an adverse effect on tourism, and I recognise it needs to be dealt with,” he said.

One of the problems the council has is that DEFRA insists sand can only be dumped back on the beach above the high water mark.

“I’ve asked officers to write to DEFRA asking if we can have a licence to return it below the high water mark as I hope this will help keep the sand on the beach,” he added.

The action plan was welcomed by ward councillor John Boyle who said residents were fed up with sand on the roads and on their driveways and gardens.

“Councillors are constantly receiving complaints about this and I welcome this well overdue initiative,” he said.

“I think the idea of applying for a licence to return the reclaimed sand below the tide mark is a good one as parts of the beach which were sandy are now stony,” he added.