CAMPAIGNERS wanting to save Colwyn Bay’s derelict pier are in a “state of limbo” as they wait to hear the results of a private council meeting.
Conwy County Borough Council Cabinet met yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) to discuss the controversial landmark, which is currently in the hands of administrators Royce, Peeling and Green Ltd (RPG).
The pier has had a troubled history since owner Steve Hunt was made bankrupt following five years of work attempting to make it an iconic attraction for Colwyn Bay.
But campaign work to try and raise the estimated £3.5 million required for basic renovation has continued.
Chair of the Colwyn Bay Pier Pressure Group, Penny Davies, was pleased the issue was being discussed by Cabinet.
She said: “We are actually in a state of limbo at the moment waiting for this council meeting to see if they support us or if we’re down the pan.
“I can understand if they don't want to commit to money, but with their support we can draw from different funding sources."
The meeting - which was closed to the public - follows a resurgence of interest in the Grade II listed pier, which has seen the campaign group meet with members of the public and Assembly Members earlier this year.
Although demolition work is estimated to cost just over £1 million, Ms Davies said regeneration work in Colwyn Bay was making residents and visitors more “optimistic” it could be saved.
She said: "We were out on Prom Day with a questionnaire asking what people thought about the pier, and a majority wanted it restored to its Victorian state.
“People are now seeing things happening in Colwyn Bay and it gives us hope. Because the pier has been degenerated for so long, which is so sad, I don't think people thought it could happen.
“But now we're seeing shops being improved and further grants for the town centre. It’s livening up and it gives hope.”
The Colwyn Bay Pier Pressure Group are also in the process of starting a social enterprise trading company called Sure Thing, which will help raise funds for the pier project while training people for work.
But Ms Davies confirmed the future of the pier still remains in the balance.
She added: “At the moment it is still in the hands of administrators, but that is due to change next month. Time is running out. We’re just waiting with bated breath.”