A CAMPAIGN to restore Colwyn Bay pier to its former glory has made a “pivotal” step forward.
Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet met last week to discuss the derelict site, where it was decided to pursue the acquisition of the pier from administrators Royce, Peeling and Green Ltd (RPG).
According to minutes from the closed-door meeting, Cabinet will seek the approval from Council "due to the potential call on significant Council resources" before negotiations with RPG can begin, but Chair of Colwyn Bay Pier Pressure Group, Penny Davies, was “delighted” with the announcement.
She said: "We're still not there yet, but this has been a fairly pivotal part of the process.
“It’s not going to be an easy ride, but I’m just glad people have the foresight to see how it could be. We've come a long way in a year. We’ve got to wait for another meeting at the beginning of June, and if things go well it will be all systems go.”
Ms Davies confirmed the social enterprise element of the campaign group, Shore Thing, are currently trying to assemble the necessary information for grant funding requests from bodies like the Welsh Assembly so deadlines could be met should the Council decide to continue with the purchase of the Grade II site.
She added: “A lot of people have been working very hard and it’s all on their own time. There is a real passion for this - it’s looking at the glass half full. I do believe the town is starting to turn.”
Assembly Member, Darren Millar, was thrilled with Cabinet’s decision.
He said: “This is a welcome step in the right direction. Many of my constituents want to see the pier restored to its former glory. For too long it has been an eyesore which has blighted the waterfront in Colwyn Bay.
“I have urged the Minister responsible in the Welsh Government to support the Council in its endeavours and to explore channels of funding which might be available to support the restoration of the Pier.”
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