A DISABLED group has met council officials over access concerns at a flagship tourism development for Colwyn Bay.
Conwy Access Group, which campaigns for disabled access across the county, has met Conwy County Council officers over concerns about the resort’s promenade waterfront development.
John Barton, Conwy Access Group spokesman, said access to the planned rooftop viewing platform above the main building would prove difficult for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters and may even be in breach of national regulations.
The rooftop will be reached by two slopes but Mr Barton warned the gradients were too steep and must be addressed.
“The council have assured us that it will be accessible but we’ve only got six months left until it’s meant to be finished,” he said.
Mr Barton said officials have proposed installing a lift to the rooftop, which was not part of the original plan, if the gradient problem cannot be solved.
“They said if all else fails they would look at putting a lift in but that might not be accessible at all times.
“If the issues around the gradients could be resolved that would be cheaper too.
“Some people think we are just whining for the sake of it but it makes a difference to tourism and to local life.
“There are disabled schools in the area and they might not be able to use it. You have also got children in buggies and they need to have good access.”
Work on the waterfront development began in February last year and the first stage of the project, which included work to combat coastal erosion, has been completed, with work on the main building due to be completed by summer.
A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council failed to provide information on whether the concerns of Conwy Access Group would lead to additional costs or delays.
Instead she issued a statement on behalf of Hywel Jones, Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project Manager, saying: “The concerns of the Access Group have been raised with us and we are continuing discussions with them.”