I am taking a series of actions so to try and unlock the potential for more visitors to come to Aberconwy and boost our tourism sector.
Those of you who read my last article will be aware that I have been corresponding with the Welsh Government about improvements to public transport links, such as the potential to introduce a direct rail service between Liverpool and Llandudno, extending the opening hours of Llandudno Railway Station, and introducing direct rail connections between Blaenanu Ffestiniog and both Manchester Airport and Holyhead.
Alongside trying to make it easier for tourists to travel to Aberconwy on buses and trains, over the Easter holiday I have been pleased to take action that could help make the constituency an even more attractive destination.
In fact, it has been identified that should Llandudno continue to adapt to the changing conditions within the tourism market and invest accordingly:
- The number of day visitors is set to increase from 2.88 million in 2018 to 4.08 million in 2045;
- The number of overnight trips taken is set to rise from 440,289 in 2018 to 561,339 by 2045;
- The economic impact of tourism in Llandudno is expected to rise from £388.8 million in 2018 to £513.6 million in 2045.
So to achieve such high growth, I believe it essential that sand is returned to at least part of North Shore.
Local hoteliers have told me that an amazing amount of guests ask why we do not have a proper sandy beach.
The current defences are a combination of soft and hard engineering methods with the majority being hard defences with the stone upper beach, supplemented by artificial recharge, which provides protection to the stepped sea wall and promenade behind.
Following the winter storms of 2013-14, emergency works were carried out to replenish the rocks that had been lost/displaced. Approximately 30,000m3 of imported material was replaced – creating a dangerous section of beach.
Now that there is a need to undertake further works at North Shore, the Welsh Government have favoured business as usual.
However, the option preferred by the community is that which includes beach nourishment with shore connected structures such as fishtail or timber groynes. Importantly, this sand option provides the same level of benefit as that of the preferred economic option.
In an effort to send a clear message to the Welsh Government that we should have sand on our beach again, I am working with Cllr. Ian Turner. He has actually set up a Welsh Parliament petition entitled: “Fund the removal of quarry rocks and the restoration of sand and groynes to Llandudno North Shore.”
Should you like to see more sand instead of more rocks on North Shore, please sign the petition. You can do so by entering the following web address online: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245414 or by contacting me on 01492 871198 or [email protected]
