Furious members of the Bay of Colwyn Sailing Club, which has a boat storage area on Rhos Road, Rhos-on-Sea, called an emergency meeting of the committee on April 13 to discuss the future of the group.

The plans came to light after Cllr Phil Edwards of Conwy County Borough Council, contacted the group to inform them that if a recommendation made by the councils valuer is accepted it may be the end of the club.
Conwy County Borough Council's Asset Management Group, which is made up of councillors and officers, are said to be considering selling off the land for residential apartment development.

Paul Lyon, Commodore of the club was outraged and stressed the plans posed a serious threat to the association's existence.
"The sailing club members are determined to fight this proposal and are actively gaining support from everybody we have contacted."

Last year more than £5000 was invested on a perimeter fence and the organisation are currently awaiting planning approval for a new boat house and have received a grant of over £2500 from Conwy Voluntary Services Council. Members have suggested to support the council in favour of increasing leisure activities. Mr Lyon said: "If the councillors accept this recommendation however, they will be accused of being more interested in short term financial gain."

Cllr Phil Edwards described the loss of the club as a severe blow to the whole area and a huge loss to the economy.
"It would change the whole character of Rhos on Sea, which attracts thousands of visitors each year."

Many of the club owners and members have their boats moored in Rhos Harbour. It provides race management for two big junior sailing events in Colwyn Bay, in conjunction with Rydal Penrhos and gives support to local RNLI committees. The club also plays an important part on the annual Colwyn Bay Prom Day by supplying a guard boat for the major event.

Darren Millar, Welsh Conservative Assembly Member of Clwyd West has become actively involved and has criticised plans to sell the boatyard.
"'These plans fly in the face of the council's leisure and tourism strategies which suggest that marine leisure opportunities should be encouraged in the Colwyn Bay area. I am determined to work with the club to see these plans dropped."

A spokeswoman for Conwy County Borough Council did not dismiss the plans, but stressed that the matter will not be discussed until after elections.