AN INVESTMENT of £1.6 million is to be made to improve the sea defences on Old Colwyn sea front.

The Welsh Government has made the commitment after calls had been made to upgrade the defences which play a vital role in protecting not only the promenade, but the A55, the main railway line and main sewerage network.

Darren Millar AM, welcomed today’s news but more would be needed for a significant upgrade.

He said: “The cash falls well short of the overall total needed for a significant upgrade to the sea defences in Old Colwyn, but it is welcome none the less.

“The sea defences along Old Colwyn promenade play a vital role in protecting the main sewerage network, the A55 trunk road and the North Wales railway line. They have been in a very delicate state for over a decade and we've been warned time and time again by engineers that they are at risk of catastrophic failure at any time.

“We've been living on borrowed time and as another winter approaches, I know residents and businesses in the area have been very concerned as to whether the defences could survive another storm. News of this funding will therefore help put their minds at rest.

“Now that the funding has been agreed, work needs to start as soon as possible to ensure that Old Colwyn is no longer at risk.”

Cllr Cheryl Carlisle, who has also been repeatedly calling for improvements to the sea defences, added:

“My constituents have been very concerned about the sea defences in Old Colwyn for many years, so I know they will be as pleased as I am to hear of this funding from the Welsh Government. I will be working with colleagues at Conwy County Borough Council to see improvements delivered and look forward to the work finally getting underway.”