PUPILS at a primary school in Penrhyn Bay visited the multi-million-pound coastal defence scheme at the town’s seafront.

55 pupils from Ysgol Glanwydden – located just a stone’s throw away from the Penrhyn Bay project – were invited by the Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK to learn more about the works as part of their studies.  

Ruthin-based Jones Bros was appointed by Conwy Borough Council to deliver £7.5million worth of shoreside improvements as part of the development.

This includes the procurement and importation of 70,000 tonnes of rock armour, which will be built in a T-shape rock groyne to reduce beach corrosion and minimise the impact of extreme weather conditions and associated flooding.

Large quantities of shingle will replenish the shore to protect the existing stepped defences, the promenade, and infrastructure behind it.

The youngsters enjoyed two three-hour sessions, held in the information cabin, which contains informative bilingual posters about the scheme and a mannequin highlighting how to correctly wear PPE.

Tasks included identifying true or false statements on the purpose of the scheme and putting project activities in the correct order, while there was a trip to the seafront to see the Jones Bros team in action.

As part of a competition, the children were also tasked with creating an informative poster explaining the Penrhyn Bay coastal defence scheme.

Year six pupil Ewan Macinnes produced the winning poster, which is currently displayed on site for the local community and visitors to see. 

MORE: Penrhyn Bay promenade reopens as coastal defence work continues

Project manager Sam Roberts and senior works manager Gareth (Ginny) Jones helped to lead the visit, which finished with a question and answers session.

Ysgol Glanwydden teacher Steffan Tomos was thrilled with the group’s outing, saying: “Our visit was fantastic, and the pupils were given the opportunity to learn more about a project playing a key part in the development of their local community. 

“They learnt a great deal about the purpose of the project as well as the logistics of the operation. Diolch yn fawr iawn.”

Pupil Freya, 10, from Llandudno, added: “I really enjoyed visiting the site, and I learnt all about coastal erosion and the defences being built.”

Jones Bros’ public liaison officer for the project, Beatrice Harkin, who organised the school trip, said: “Community engagement is at the heart of every job we undertake and this one is no different.

“To be able to give more than 50 children the chance to visit the development, discover more about the sustainable work being carried out to provide environmental improvements within the community, and dive deeper into the world of civil engineering, is wonderful as it shines a light on potential career paths in the industry.

“The pupils were engaged, thoroughly enjoyed watching the building of the rock groyne, and asked excellent questions.

"It will be superb when the improvements are completed, and the children have the chance to see the end result.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.