With the medieval walls of Conwy not having been fully re-opened since Covid-19, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has secured an explanation from Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip, Welsh Government, as to the future plans for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In a letter to Mrs Finch-Saunders, the Deputy Minister advises that:
- the upper tower (to the western point of the medieval walls) has been temporarily closed due to safety concerns over the robustness of the timber landing, steps and railings;
- Cadw has already undertaken inspections of the tower and the wall walks (running from Upper Gate towards the Bangor Arch) and intends to improve accessibility, increase the height of the railings;
- Cadw is currently seeking to appoint a design team with the intention of designing, seeking all statutory and funding approvals, and tendering the works during the summer of 2023 with the planned works being undertaken during the subsequent quieter winter season.
Commenting on the works, Janet said:
“With the walls forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as being the finest and most complete in Europe, I think it is imperative that the Welsh Government ensure that the medieval structure is not neglected.
“Locals and visitors alike enjoy walks on the structure, especially as it affords one of the best views of Conwy and the estuary.
“Whilst I am disappointed that we will have to wait another year before the works are completed, I welcome the fact that my correspondence has resulted in a clear and positive commitment by the Deputy Minister and Cadw.”
ENDS
Gyda waliau canoloesol Conwy heb ailagor yn llawn ers Covid-19, mae Janet Finch-Saunders, Aelod o’r Senedd dros Aberconwy, wedi derbyn esboniad gan Dawn Bowden AS, Dirprwy Weinidog y Celfyddydau a Chwaraeon, a'r Prif Chwip yn Llywodraeth Cymru, ynghylch y cynlluniau ar gyfer dyfodol Safle Treftadaeth y Byd UNESCO.
Mewn llythyr at Mrs Finch-Saunders, mae'r Dirprwy Weinidog yn dweud:
- mae’r tŵr uchaf (i bwynt gorllewinol y waliau canoloesol) wedi’i gau dros dro oherwydd pryderon diogelwch ynghylch cadernid y pen grisiau pren, y grisiau a'r rheiliau;
- mae Cadw eisoes wedi cynnal archwiliadau o'r tŵr a llwybrau cerdded y wal (o’r Porth Uchaf tuag i Fwa Bangor) ac yn bwriadu gwella hygyrchedd a chynyddu uchder y rheiliau;
- mae Cadw yn bwriadu penodi tîm dylunio gyda'r bwriad o ddylunio, gofyn am yr holl gymeradwyaethau statudol ac ariannu, a thendro'r gwaith yn ystod haf 2023 gyda'r gwaith arfaethedig yn cael ei wneud yn ystod tymor tawelach y gaeaf dilynol.
Wrth roi sylwadau ar y gwaith, dywedodd:
"Gyda'r waliau yn rhan o Safle Treftadaeth y Byd UNESCO ac yn cael eu hystyried fel y gorau a'r mwyaf cyflawn yn Ewrop, rwy'n credu ei bod yn hanfodol bwysig bod Llywodraeth Cymru'n sicrhau na chaiff y strwythur canoloesol ei esgeuluso.
"Mae pobl leol ac ymwelwyr fel ei gilydd yn mwynhau mynd am dro ar y strwythur, yn enwedig gan ei fod yn cynnig un o’r golygfeydd gorau o Gonwy a'r foryd.
"Er fy mod yn siomedig y bydd yn rhaid i ni aros blwyddyn arall cyn cwblhau'r gwaith, rwy'n croesawu'r ffaith bod fy ngohebiaeth wedi arwain at ymrwymiad clir a chadarnhaol gan y Dirprwy Weinidog a Cadw."
DIWEDD
