Colwyn Bay pier: Judge backs Conwy council ownership

Colwyn Bay pier has been closed since 2008

The former owner of Colwyn Bay's 112-year-old pier has failed in his attempt to regain control from Conwy council, which wants to develop it.

Steve Hunt, who was made bankrupt in 2008 in a dispute over unpaid council tax, claimed that ownership should revert to him after three years.

But a judge at Cardiff County Court rejected the claim.

Conwy council announced in March that it had taken over the rundown, Grade II-listed Victorian pier.

In April the Heritage Lottery Fund turned down the authority's application for a £4.9m grant to restore the pier.

The council claimed ownership of the landmark after the Welsh government acquired it from the Crown Estate.

A separate hearing, involving a claim on the pier by Mr Hunt's mother, is due to be held later in the year.

Conwy council said it would be inappropriate to comment before the matter is concluded.