THE issue surrounding the removal of quarry rocks and the restoration of sand and groynes to Llandudno’s North Shore beach will be debated in the Senedd next week.

Conwy County Borough Council’s cabinet has agreed to support a non-sand option for North Shore.

Welsh Government has approved the council’s funding application for a detailed design of the non-sand option.

But Janet Finch-Saunders, Aberconwy MS, has been working with Cllr Ian Turner and residents to help restore sand to the beach.

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Following a petition launched by Cllr Turner last year, which garnered more than 12,000 signatures, a debate on the matter will now take place in the Senedd on March 20.

In order for the online petition to be considered for debate in the Welsh Parliament, a minimum 10,000 signatures are needed.

Cllr Turner said: “I trust that common sense will prevail, and I urge Welsh Government to support tourism in Llandudno and its surrounding areas by returning the sand to the beach.

“This action would uplift an industry that has been relentlessly battered, to the extent that it is currently on its knees.

"Tourism in North Wales is on the brink, and restoring the sand on Llandudno's beach is crucial to seize the opportunity of revitalising our tourism sector.”

In August 2022, Welsh Government rejected Conwy County Borough Council’s proposal for funding to see sand returned to North Shore.

According to a report published by the council, the Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management branch (FCERM), stated that the return of sand to North Shore “does not appear to provide any additional flood risk management benefits”.

Following public concerns of deposition of cobble on North Shore in 2014, the council’s cabinet resolved to establish the Llandudno Coastal Forum to find a sustainable policy for beach management of North Shore.

Mrs Finch-Saunders added: “Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Independent Councillors made a grave error in allowing the dumping of quarry rocks on our beautiful beach, resulting in a £1.4million expense to taxpayers and the destruction of a key attraction to the ‘queen of the Welsh resorts’.

“Welsh Government’s coastal defence scheme, currently underway, will not see the return of sand as they continue with an approach that is underfunded, impractical and sporadic in nature.

“Restoring the sand is absolutely essential as a visitor attraction and local landmark.

“It is, therefore, crucial that Welsh Government immediately prioritises the tourism funding grant needed for this restoration.

“Together, we have achieved remarkable progress with over 12,000 signatures.

“I hope that, as a collective, we can pave the way for a brighter future for North Wales and its crucial tourism sector.

“Let's strive to restore the sandy beach, which is not only vital for Llandudno’s economy but also an asset it rightfully deserves.”