COLWYN Bay has answered the call to save the town’s Victorian pier.
Businesses and residents have pledged to support the pier’s restoration offering financial support with people prepared to give up their spare time to help out.
But it is unlikely any money will be handed over until a charitable trust is set up and the dispute between Conwy County Borough Council and pier owner Steve Hunt is resolved.
David Jones MP chaired a public meeting on the pier on Friday, he said: “On a show of hands at the meeting, over 90 per cent indicated that, not only did they support the pier’s restoration, but that they were willing to contribute to it financially.
“Many people who spoke at the meeting, and most of those to whom I have spoken since, consider that the best way of proceeding is to set up a charitable trust, with a view to acquiring the pier and exploring the cost and best means of restoring it.”
Alan Bermingham, of CBI Insurance Consultants, was at the meeting on behalf of director Peter Blundell.
He said: “If a charitable trust was set up, Peter has said he is willing to donate money. I have talked to other businesses and they have the same opinion. The sooner the better, but we are a long way off. The pier is an important part of the town.”
Mr Hunt, who has said he is prepared to see the creation of a charitable trust, said: “It has been mad. I have had hundreds of e-mails off people pledging support, or offering to come and help paint things or clear up.
“I have been trying to reply to everyone. I have all kinds of people pledging support.”
Two Facebook groups have been set up with more than 2000 members between them.
Gavin Davies, 37, of Old Colwyn, runs Penrhyn Road based-firm Printing.com. He said: “I would offer to advertise it. I have offered Mr Hunt a banner for the pier and he said yes. I am trying to help in any way I can to the best of my ability.
“There are a lot of people with that feeling. People are willing to give their time and effort. They are quite willing to help. There is a huge amount of community spirit.”
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