In my notes of September 2017 I was full of praise for our very pleasant and interesting new promenade, especially the length from Porth Eirias to the information bureau opposite Caylet Flyer pub at Rhos on Sea. . There are so many interesting features on this stretch of the ‘prom’, a goodly number of ‘flower boxes’ between the new zebra crossing , toilets and Princess Court flats, and soon a new kiosk.
Now, as I write, I am delighted to see the beginning of the end of the pier, demolition has started and by April the ‘carbuncle’ will have been removed. I am also very pleased to see a facelift has been given to Colwyn Bay’s railway station and that the dilapidated Dales Taxi booking kiosk has been removed. However, I would dearly love to see the bollards on Station Road permanently lowered and short-term-parking bays introduced , then Station Road opened up to one-way traffic as in years gone by. It would also be good to see the Imperial Hotel building being brought back to life.
The Civic Society is saddened that visitors and locals alike will have to pay on a significant length of the promenade, but agree that sections of the wonderful new beach should be ‘dog free’ for very real reasons of hygiene , both in the Bay and Rhos on Sea .
We are concerned for Rhos Point and would welcome it being rescued from further neglect. We recommend a feature be made of the building which was once the entrance to Rhos pier, and some TLC being given to the flower boxes. The decaying café buildings need serious consideration. We are of the opinion that private enterprise, with suitable planning permission being granted by the County Council, could make Rhos Point a .’ talking point’ and a business success..
It’s good to see the new Colwyn Bay Civic Centre taking shape, and we welcome Laura Ashley coming to town. I hope we will be blessed with a good summer season, bringing much valued visitors to our pleasant town, offering such a variety of attractions – with Colwyn Bay’s eclectic mix of cafes, shops, offices, banks etc continuing to grow.
In concluding these notes I would like to report that the Society is in fine fettle. The Officers and Committee members make up an excellent Executive team, our membership is growing, we have a strong financial footing and our monthly members’ meetings are regularly attended by between 40 and 60 members. This is probably because we have excellent speakers, combined with attractive and generous meals produced by Martin at the Colwyn Bay Cricket Club. It creates a good atmosphere for an enjoyable social event.
In July , when an ordinary members’ meeting is not held, we plan to be taken up Penmaenmawr ‘mountain’, followed by a hot pot supper at the Cricket club – why not join us , we would make you very welcome .
Jim Lowe
Hon Secretary.