A STILE providing access to a Deganwy coastal path could be removed under a proposal by Network Rail.
In a letter from the Countryside and Rights of Way Manager, it is confirmed Network Rail intend to remove the stile on Glan Y Mor Road, opposite the entrance to Pentywyn Road, which allows pedestrians to cross a railway line to reach Deganwy beach.
A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: “Our aim is to protect lives as we recognise the risk level crossings can pose. In this case, we could lower the risk in the area as there are two crossings about 100 yards from each other and one of them is also not a scheduled public right of way. However, we are still in the early stages of examining the proposal with the council and we will consider solutions that continue to connect the community, while protecting their lives.”
The proposal has already garnered opposition from councillors in both Deganwy and Llandudno Junction who fear the closure of the stile would not only inconvenience residents and visitors, but also increase hazards.
Cllr Jason Weyman of Deganwy said: “When we resurfaced the cycle path, the stile was temporarily closed and people were up in arms.
“Without the stile you'd have to go back into Deganwy at the quay or carry on walking the other way to the bus depot. If you have to go back to the level crossing I think it is more dangerous - when the gates come down you find people running across. At the stile, people take a lot more care when it's up to them to make the decision to cross.”
According to Cllr Weyman, the stile is not a right of way, which limits the involvement of the Council in the final decision of whether the stile can remain in place.
He added: “There may be a glimmer of hope. Houses on Ty Mawr Road and Warren Drive have to have access to the front shore. About ten years ago this was a sticking point when Network Rail considered closing it in the 90s.
“We need to respond to the letter as soon as possible and discuss the issue before taking any action. If that doesn't succeed I will have to look at bringing the public in.”
Cllr Mike Priestley of Marl Ward confirmed he would be lending his full support to keep the stile in place.
He said: “Lots and lots of people use it. I would say that whole part of Deganwy do. From that area residents can access the Conwy Access Strategic Route, and with the new bridge on to the RSPB Reserve. And the other way there is Deganwy Beach and on to West Shore.
“It's going to push people off the path and force them to walk along the busy main road. It defeats the point of why that path is there.
“We will swing into action if needed. I would urge Network Rail to reconsider their plans at this stage.”
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