This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_west/8473976.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Debate over 'deteriorating' pier | Debate over 'deteriorating' pier |
(about 2 hours later) | |
An MP has called a public meeting to discuss the future of Colwyn Bay's "deteriorating" Victorian pier. | An MP has called a public meeting to discuss the future of Colwyn Bay's "deteriorating" Victorian pier. |
Clwyd West MP David Jones said people need to decide if they want to save it or see it demolished. | |
The Grade II-listed pier opened in 1900 but it needs plenty of restoration work to return it to its best condition. | The Grade II-listed pier opened in 1900 but it needs plenty of restoration work to return it to its best condition. |
Mr Jones said "The proposals for the regeneration of Colwyn Bay's waterfront cannot realistically go ahead without incorporating the pier." | Mr Jones said "The proposals for the regeneration of Colwyn Bay's waterfront cannot realistically go ahead without incorporating the pier." |
Mr Jones has said the "progressively deteriorating" state of the Victorian pier was "a huge cause of concern" to most residents. | Mr Jones has said the "progressively deteriorating" state of the Victorian pier was "a huge cause of concern" to most residents. |
"The questions that need to be considered, therefore, are whether the pier should be renovated and, if so, how? Where will the money come from? | "The questions that need to be considered, therefore, are whether the pier should be renovated and, if so, how? Where will the money come from? |
Coastal defences | Coastal defences |
"Alternatively, should consideration be given, as many people suggest, to demolishing it altogether? | "Alternatively, should consideration be given, as many people suggest, to demolishing it altogether? |
"The purpose of the meeting will be to take the temperature of opinion within the town on this important matter." | "The purpose of the meeting will be to take the temperature of opinion within the town on this important matter." |
The pier once attracted entertainers such as Morecambe and Wise, Ken Dodd and Harry Secombe, while rock stars Motorhead, Elvis Costello and Slade also appeared there. | The pier once attracted entertainers such as Morecambe and Wise, Ken Dodd and Harry Secombe, while rock stars Motorhead, Elvis Costello and Slade also appeared there. |
In the summer there used to be a resident orchestra and leading political figures also spoke there. | In the summer there used to be a resident orchestra and leading political figures also spoke there. |
Previous owners had hoped to transform it into a casino and tourist attraction and tried to sell it in an internet auction. | Previous owners had hoped to transform it into a casino and tourist attraction and tried to sell it in an internet auction. |
The pier's most recent owner, who worked for more than five years to restore it, was declared bankrupt in 2008 after a row over business rates and council tax. | The pier's most recent owner, who worked for more than five years to restore it, was declared bankrupt in 2008 after a row over business rates and council tax. |
It is currently in the hands of receivers. | It is currently in the hands of receivers. |
Last May it was announced that Colwyn Bay would be among a number of areas across north Wales to benefit from £38m of investment, with the improvements in the town focusing on the sea front. | Last May it was announced that Colwyn Bay would be among a number of areas across north Wales to benefit from £38m of investment, with the improvements in the town focusing on the sea front. |
In August a further £20m was unveiled for regeneration by the Welsh Assembly Government in Colwyn Bay and Rhyl. | In August a further £20m was unveiled for regeneration by the Welsh Assembly Government in Colwyn Bay and Rhyl. |
Conwy council's Bay Life scheme includes plans for coastal defences, a centre of sporting excellence and relocating council offices to the town centre. | Conwy council's Bay Life scheme includes plans for coastal defences, a centre of sporting excellence and relocating council offices to the town centre. |
The public meeting at the Council Chamber, Rhiw Road, Colwyn Bay, begins at 1800 GMT | The public meeting at the Council Chamber, Rhiw Road, Colwyn Bay, begins at 1800 GMT |