OLD Colwyn promenade will be closed for six months as work to strengthen the Victorian sea defences starts.

Work will start at Splash Point on Old Colwyn promenade next week.

To protect the promenade from rough seas and high tides, Conwy County Borough Council will be installing a rock revetment up to two-metres higher than the current promenade level.

They will also improve a section of the cycle path from the Llanddulas direction and raise the existing slipway.

The promenade will be closed to traffic, cyclists and pedestrians from Rotary Way east to Beach Road and Cliff Gardens for up to six months.

Cllr Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation said: “This is essential work which protects the promenade, the national cycle route, and the A55 and railway bridges. We understand that closing the road is inconvenient, but without this work, there is a high chance that after a bad storm the promenade could need to be closed indefinitely.

“The rock revetment will be similar to the defences already in place immediately east of Porth Eirias. The rocks will absorb the wave energy, resulting in smaller waves and reducing the pressure on the Victorian seawall.”

The £1.6m work is being funded by Welsh Government, through the Active Travel scheme.

It is the first phase of improvements.

The Council is working on the design for improving the promenade and sea defences from Porth Eirias to Splash Point, and continuing to look for funding for these future phases.