RESIDENTS are up in arms over plans to remove popular seaside kiosks on Rhos-on-Sea promenade without clear plans for how they should be replaced.

The kiosks, which have been a feature of the seaside resort for decades, are expected to be refurbished and relocated over the coming months as work under the Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project gets underway.

This will include a four-metre-wide route for cyclists and pedestrians to improve safety, with benches, planters, trees, play equipment and bins, public art features and health markers that show the distance that walkers have travelled.

Conwy County Borough Council carried out a consultation over the plans from September 15 to October 10. The work is a response to the increased risk of climate change on flooding events that could damage infrastructure along the waterfront.

But many residents have said their experience of the beach will be spoiled by the removal of the promenade, while kiosk owners also raised concern over the future of their business, with no promise over how or when they will be replaced.

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, said: “These kiosks are popular, thriving businesses which are busy all year round; it is absolutely nonsensical to bulldoze them without a clear plan for their replacement,” he said.

“While there is much to welcome in Conwy County Borough Council’s proposals, I am concerned that the lack of proper consideration for these kiosks could end up driving people away.

“There appears to have been scant regard to the owners of these kiosks. This is their livelihood and to snatch it away from them in this way is unacceptable. 

“The local authority must ensure these kiosks are either retained or that funding in place to replace the kiosks as part of the proposed programme of works.

“Locals and visitors have enjoyed the presence of kiosks on the promenade for over 60 years, I urge the Council to urgently revisit its proposals so that people can enjoy them in the future.”

Residents have said they believe the kiosks were a traditional feature of the seafront and shunned the idea of a more contemporary replacement that could also bring a rise in the cost of items such as sweets and ice cream.

Julie Styles, from Rhyl, said: “I loved my ice-cream from the Cayley Kiosk. Even in winter when the weather was rough it was a nice drive from Rhyl for an ice-cream.”

Heather Green said: “Outdated - who says? Tradition and memories are more important. Cyclists and pedestrians walk along to go to these huts. Easy access for a snack.

“The best thing about the sea front is sitting outside a kiosk having chips, a brew, or ice-cream which is affordable. Now I’ll definitely be taking butties as I don’t want an expensive posh restaurant for a day at the beach. You get them in the city.”

Another reader claimed: “The people who come up with these plans don’t use the promenade. They are too busy off on their expensive holidays. They almost look down on the seaside as tacky. We have the wrong people in charge.”

The council said: “To allow wider space on the promenade for cyclists and pedestrians, the existing outdated kiosks on West Promenade will be removed.

“We are looking for funding to relocate and upgrade the kiosks – this construction will be under a separate scheme, but we have included the necessary space and utilities as part of this proposal.”