Controversial one-way system for Rhos-on-Sea promenade approved despite claims plans are ‘dangerous’

A controversial one-way system along Rhos-on-Sea promenade was given the green light by Conwy’s cabinet yesterday afternoon.

The decision was made despite appeals from councillors who complained the proposals were dangerous – as residents feared a residential area would be overrun by traffic.

The cabinet’s decision follows the plans being backed by Conwy’s economy and place overview and scrutiny committee two weeks ago.

Cllr Jo Nuttall said she had taken part in a 100-strong protest against the plans last Saturday.

Cllr Nutall said she wanted the council to deviate from its plans for the one-way system – but hinted she feared the extra cost this could incur could dissuade councillors.

“I speak on behalf of myself, Cllr Gareth Jones, and many Rhos residents, 100 or more of whom protested with us on Saturday afternoon,” she said.

“No one is against the much-needed flood defence work. My argument begins when we have safety features galore on our promenade, all of which are at the cost of the safety on the Cayley Embankment.

“If these plans can’t be halted, due to the current financial situation, I see that by making a couple of small adjustments, the main flow of traffic eastbound can remain on the promenade.

“I appeal to the members of our cabinet to listen to our residents and make this road safer while you have the chance.”

The new traffic system is part of a £14m coastal defence scheme, which will see the promenade widened, sand added to the beach, and a one-way system introduced on the West Promenade for traffic travelling towards Colwyn Bay.

Whilst the lower promenade will be reduced to a single lane, the Cayley Promenade road along the embankment will remain two-way, increasing the amount of traffic on the stretch.

This has angered residents who fear the area will be overrun by cars, causing pollution and noise.

Councillors were asked to consider the scheme with the preferred option being to go with the above before a formal Traffic Regulation Order is made so the roadworks could begin.

Cllr Chris Brockley spoke in favour of the development, arguing that it would attract extra visitors to Rhos whilst reducing traffic, adding that less than 100 residents opposed the plans out of over 7,500 living in the ward.

“That’s what this is, a community asset, at a community space, not a private domain of those who live adjacent,” he said.

Council officers confirmed that deviating from plans could have funding implications and raise costs.

Cllr Cheryl Carlisle also warned: “You’ve asked us all in every way possible to cut back on any unnecessary spending. Now the sea defences are necessary spending. We have to look at everything.

“The sea defences are in place, and I’m suggesting what is going to happen when it comes down to a choice between safeguarding our looked-after children, looking after our vulnerable adults, or tinkering with a road layout. That is the question I would like to ask cabinet today.

“You’ve got these huge financial pressures. Where are you going to spend your money? Where do this cabinet’s financial priorities lie?”

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey said: “Clearly when we do any infrastructure work, whether it is a road or railway, a new building, a housing estate, there are impacts on people who live near it.

“So we have to look at the greater picture. We have to minimise that impact on people. Clearly there are some people who feel very strongly about that.

“I’m really mindful of the future generations act, and it’s a real duty for us to look to the future, at what this area will be like in five years, 10 years, 15 years, and the development of our young people, so whilst I recognise people are very unhappy with this decision whom it impacts upon negatively, we need to do everything we can to minimise that.

“But there is a need to look to the future where there are electric cars, people are walking more, cycling more, they’re taking public transport.

“I accept that we are not there yet, but that is our role to make those difficult decisions. There has been a very good consultation.

“I think we’ve heard a lot of opinions. We have listened, and again, some people will never be happy with any decision we make, and I fully accept that, but that’s where I’m at.”

Cllr Goronwy Edwards moved the preferred recommendation of the one-way system, and cabinet members voted it through.

Conwy will now introduce a Traffic Regulation Order, which allows the council to change traffic restrictions on the road before the work begins.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter