Llandudno to Liverpool sea gliders planned by county council

There are also plans to restore sand to North Shore beach

Electric-powered sea gliders could be used to transport tourists into Llandudno from Liverpool.

Conwy council's report says the gliders are one of its aspirational ideas which aim to revitalise Llandudno over the next 10 years.

Councillor Louise Emery said: "I feel very hopeful because we've got some crazy ideas."

Electric sea gliders could be ready for commercial passengers by 2025 in the English Channel by Brittany Ferries.

The zero-emission vehicles, developed in the United States by Boston-based start-up Regional Electric Ground Effect Naval Transport (Regent), are expected to travel at speeds of up to 180mph (290km/h).

They will be about six times faster than conventional ferries, with a battery range of about 180 miles (290km).

Other ideas include a revitalised paddling pool, an outdoor event space at Bodafon fields, cruise-liner routes, cultural events and options to restore sand to Llandudno's North Shore Beach.

External funding will be sought to get these ideas off the ground.

Conwy's economy and place overview and scrutiny committee met on Wednesday 27 September to discuss Llandudno's 10-year regeneration plan, a report of over 130 pages documenting how the town can be reinvigorated.

Also backed at the same meeting was the Conwy Destination Management Plan, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Conservative Ms Emery said she had been told the rate of vacant shops in the town was now under 5%.

Electric powered sea gliders could be in service as early as 2025 across the English Channel

"We have to hold on to the fact that Llandudno is an incredibly popular place," she said.

"Yes, it does look a bit tired at the edges. Yes, we can provide a better visitor amenity, more toilets, wi-fi, etcetera."

She added that she loved the idea of electric-powered sea gliders, adding that "within those crazy ideas there's also really genuine projects".

She then said more could be done to work with outside investors, the town council and community groups.

She added: "I feel really positive that we will go out and get this money with the whole community together."

Conservative councillor Tom Montgomery said: "It is about working with private businesses to achieve a lot of this. I think it's a great report. It's great to see so much opportunity for Llandudno."

Conwy's cabinet member for roads and facilities from Conwy First Independent Group, Goronwy Edwards, said rail links into the town needed to be improved.

"It is unfortunate that still most of the visitors come into Conwy via car or coach. Let's try and get a better service directly into Llandudno," added Mr Edwards.

The report will now go to cabinet.