Clwyd West MP, David Jones, has called on Conwy County Borough Council to engage positively with the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust in seeking lottery funding for restoration of the pier.
A decision by a Welsh Minister today refused an application by the Council for demolition of the pier on the grounds that the application was premature. The decision letter went on to say that: ‘there remained the unexplored possibility of retaining more of the pier structure than currently proposed.’
David Jones said:
“This is a setback for the Council, but they should seize the opportunity to engage positively with the Colwyn Victoria Pier Trust and other interested local groups with a view to supporting an application for Heritage Lottery funding.
“Previously, the council has been lukewarm in its support. Given that it has been indicated that a larger section of the pier should be considered for retention, it is an excellent opportunity for further discussions with a view to finding a new use for some or all of the historic pier, backed by lottery funding.
“I have no doubt that there is still a strong degree of support in the town for the pier to be retained and I urge the council seriously to rethink its proposals.”