£5m Colwyn Bay coastal defence work starting

The first phase will include defence repairs near Eirias Park's northern entrance

Contractors are due to start this week on the first phase of £5m plans to improve Colwyn Bay's coastal defences and promenade facilities.

The initial phase is designed to protect more than 200 properties, the A55 and railway line opposite the northern entrance to Eirias Park.

A storm last winter caused damage that cost more than £500,000 to repair.

The current defences are more than 100 years old, with the promenade the first line of defence against the Irish Sea.

Contractors are preparing to start work this week after Conwy County Borough Council confirmed it had received final funding.

In total, £2.3m has been confirmed from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) along with £2.7m from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) announced last month.

Phase 1a will also see the first part of the promenade improvements taking place, including a new raised area for visitors.

"Without this work the railway line, railway station and the A55 are particularly at risk given their location running parallel to the waterfront for a significant distance," said Councillor Mike Priestley, cabinet member for Conwy council's environment committee.