THE flyover at Junction 16a near Penmaenmawr on the A55 has been formally christened Ffordd Darbishire.

Penmaenmawr Town Council had suggested the name of one of the town’s leading families be commemorated, and last week two members of the family: Patricia Roberts and Annette Leyden, the Deputy Mayor, cllr Una Abbott and town councillors officially unveiled a new street sign

Penmaenmawr town councillor Denise Fisher said: “In the 1850's the Darbishire family moved to the area. Initially, they took over the Pendyffryn Estate in Dwygyfylchi before, 20 years later, taking over Graiglwyd Quarries and making their main home at Plas Mawr in Penmaenmawr.

“The family was always supportive of the local community and, as well as building houses for the quarry workers, principally Erasmus St and St David's Terrace, were also supportive of the chapels, schools, Co-operative movement and social centres within the town. They were also promoted tourism and encouraged the four times Prime Minister William Gladstone to visit. He often stayed in one of Darbishire’s homes.”

She added: “A leading light within the family was Charles Darbishire, who, among other things, created F company of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 6th Battalion, primarily from his employees. This company distinguished itself in Gallipoli and Palestine during World War One.

“Charles Darbishire was also the first county councillor to represent Penmaenmawr. Despite remaining active locally until the 1950's. Until now there has been no memorial to recognise or acknowledge the Darbishire family’s contribution to Penmaenmawr.”

Patricia Roberts and Annette Leyden are his granddaughters.

A proposal to name the flyover Red Gables Viaduct was rejected earlier this year as it was too closely associated with the Red Gables hotel, the scene of a mass murder in 1976.