Locals urge council to stop wind from 'blowing sand everywhere' in seaside town

08 October 2023 , 17:52

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Llandudno locals are demanding action from their council (Image: Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live)

Locals in a seaside town are demanding action from their council over an issue that's causing quite a stir - windblown sand.

Two former hotel owners, Brenda Irving and Barbara Sandbach, say that sands from the dunes of Llandudno's West Shore beach in Conwy, Wales, is wreaking havoc by spreading to pavements, roads, and pathways. Once settled, the sand becomes a breeding ground for weeds and attracts dogs, resulting in an unpleasant odour, they claim.

The pair, who both live near the beach, have submitted a petition to Conwy's economy and place scrutiny committee, urging the council to take more action to manage the issue. Their petition states: "The neglect of many areas is now very evident. Please do not let this get worse. Windblown sand is blocking waterways, walkways, paths either side of the sea wall.

"The paths off the seaside wall are unpassable for many users. It is impossible for families with prams, people in wheelchairs, many walkers using walking aids; all these, of course, like to be near the sea and the sands." They also raised concerns about the smell of urine allegedly developing around "almost all" benches on the beach's promenade, reports Express.co.uk, adding: "People have spent money placing these memorial benches to respect their deceased loved ones."

During a council meeting, Cllr Mike Priestley explained the current process of sand clearance, saying: "My understanding at the moment and officers may correct me is that once the windblown sands are blown over the sea defence and onto the road, it is classed as detritus. So we can no longer just put that on the beach. We'd have to look at that as detritus and dispose of it in that way."

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Cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Goronwy Edwards, confirmed that council officers would look at the issue. Cllr Louise Emery highlighted the impact on residents, noting that the sand infiltrates homes, even finding its way into boilers. Concluding the discussion, Cllr Harry Saville acknowledged the lack of an easy solution, stating there isn't a silver bullet for the problem and recognising the financial pressures facing the council.

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Luke Whelan