Renewed calls for sand to be restored to Llandudno beach

Llandudno's North Shore was covered with cobbles 12 years ago to boost sea defences

Town councillors in Llandudno have renewed calls for sand to be restored on North Shore Beach to boost tourism.

Winter storms washed away many of the cobbles which were introduced 12 years ago to increase sea defences.

One Llandudno councillor accused Conwy council of using a "cheap, dirty option" after replacing tens of thousands of tonnes of stone.

Conwy's chief executive has said he would rather be criticised for a lack of sand than failing to protect homes.

The town council wants sand-based sea defences with groynes, rather than rocks.

One town councillor said children were not playing on the beach at Easter, despite the resort being busy.

The county council has argued it needs to protect 5,000 homes and other properties from flooding.

The mayor, Councillor Garry Burchett, said the town could be protected and have a beach for holidaymakers as well.

Conwy's chief executive, Iwan Davies, has said he would rather be criticised for lack of sand on the beach than the council being held responsible for failing to protect Llandudno's residents and businesses from flooding.

Councillor Mike Priestley, Conwy's cabinet member for environment, has previously said it would cost "millions and millions of pounds" to introduce sand and groynes and has questioned whether sand would provide sufficient protection.