I would like to see the pier restored to its full length, not shortened, and the pavilion restored properly to how it was in 1933 when it opened.
I want the building at the front removed. My idea is to build something new at the front and widen the pier on either side, because when the pier was built, it was built to give a clear view down the front to draw people through.
The building at the front completely blocks the view. So the idea would be to build two buildings at the front with a gap down the middle. The thing is you need enough commercial space to make it pay in the long term.
Some people have said they would prefer if you stepped aside and relinquished any claim on the pier. What would you say to those people?
I would say I am not the problem. The pier was for sale for two years before I bought it. It was internationally advertised. When no-one else wanted to buy the pier I was the only person willing to put my hand in my pocket and I have done so for the past six years. I think it is an unfair criticism.
You have announced that you will run for the vacant town councillor spot in Colwyn Bay’s Glyn ward. Why?
It is not purely because of the pier issue. It is because of the amount of problems I see in local government. Local politics round here is too political when it shouldn’t be political at all. If I believe in something I will fight for it. I have no idea if anyone will vote for me or not. If there was an issue the people felt strongly about, I would fight for it.
Your dispute with Conwy County Borough Council has been a stumbling block in moving forward the restoration. Are you prepared to sit down and negotiate with them?
I have tried for six years to talk to Conwy. David Jones at the meeting has stressed that Conwy must talk and there is a meeting set for February 16. I can’t go and rescind the bankruptcy, they have to do that as the petitioning creditor. There is nothing that I can do from my side.
What is your view on the best way forward for the pier?
I have looked at doing a PLC or a co-op with people in the town buying shares. It will be owned by the public. That is an idea which has support. If the people of the town want to buy it I have no problem with that. I would prefer if many people own it, because many people are not going to knock it down.
How do you think the meeting went?
It was phenomenal. It was amazing. It shows that people do care about their pier. The people want to see the pier saved and restored and you have to take notice.
Why do you think the pier arouses so much passion in the town?
Everybody remembers the happy times. It is a place that holds almost exclusively happy memories for people. People want to rekindle that. What is there to do in the town now? It is a very visible symbol of the decline of Colwyn Bay. A lot of people say it ought to be a catalyst and the symbol of the regeneration of the town as well because it is such a big thing. You can see it from the A55, you can see it from the railway. I know it’s a mess as much as everyone else does.