Three Towns Forum

The Local => Local News & Discussion => Topic started by: Michael on September 27, 2010, 08:16:53 pm

Title: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Michael on September 27, 2010, 08:16:53 pm
Cycle lane along the Prom


I hav'ent seen this discussed in the forum. But I am sure most of you will be aware through letters etc in the local press that the local keen cyclists are trying hard for a dedicated cycle track along the front, and the Council have turned it down time and again.  I can see both sides in this argument, I have always been a keen cyclist, but I also like nice open proms, and I'm aware of safety issues.  But-----I have never seen this proposal put forward. I would be interested in forum members opinons, for or against. Its not an ideal secenario, but I think might make the best outcome in a difficult situation.

Imagine looking at the prom looking towards the Little Orme. Reading from left to right you see a wide, open pedestrian area, then a row of seats, then a low wall, then an area of variable width, either grass, flower beds or both, including the lighting standards, then a narrow pavement, then the main carriageway., Assuming that the Council are going to persist in allowing parking on both sides of the road, this carriageway is too narrow. Not by a lot, but an extra two feet would make a tremendos difference to traffic congestion.O.K. even one foot. How about this?  Prom,benches, wall as it is. Great cheers from the traditionalists.  Scrap the grass and flower beds. A shame, I know, but cannot be helped. Maybe move a lighting standard or two. Put the narrow pavement and parked cars on the grass area, cycle track where the parked cars are now, and an extra foot to the road.  Not ideal, I know, but a lot better than what weve got now.  Mike
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: DaveR on September 27, 2010, 08:52:23 pm
Mike! Lose the only bit of green space on the Promenade? No thank you!!  :o
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Michael on September 27, 2010, 09:31:25 pm
I told you it wasent perfect.  But the situation as it is is not perfect either. And I dont see how the different aims of the cyclists and the walkers can be recconciled.
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: DaveR on September 27, 2010, 09:32:27 pm
Cyclists use the Promenade at present, I see them every day. What needs to change?
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Michael on September 27, 2010, 09:55:45 pm
Oh dear, I said I could see both sides. I can only refer you to absolute thousands and thousands of words printed by a Mr Roy Spilsbury on the subject. In the Post, weekly news, pioneer you name it.
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: DaveR on September 27, 2010, 10:12:51 pm
He does seem a bit obsessed about it. Perhaps we should get him to do the quiz to see if he's autistic?   <:<:<:<
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Yorkie on September 28, 2010, 08:28:38 am
I told you it wasent perfect.  But the situation as it is is not perfect either. And I dont see how the different aims of the cyclists and the walkers can be recconciled.

My opinion is that both cyclists and walkers should be able to enjoy the prom in their own individual ways.  To try to separate them with a cycle path would be a disaster, each being protective of "their own" space. :leer:

When I worked for the CCBC part of my duties were connected with the Prom and I always thought that the two factions operated well with each other without any help or hinderance from authority, even though there was a so called ban on cycling.

Most cyclists ride and act responsibly and the odd reckless rider will do as he wants whether there is a cycle lane or not. >>>

Title: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Nemesis on October 09, 2010, 03:21:21 pm
New book out today-- Llandudno through time. An excellent collection of historic local photos and their modern counterparts.
Written by Christopher Draper and John Lawson- Reay
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: DaveR on October 09, 2010, 07:52:20 pm
Wasn't I looking at this one in Waterstones last week?  ??? It's difficult to keep track of all these books, because the titles are all so similar! I hope its not the one I was looking at, because some of the 'Now' photos were pretty poor quality.  :rage:
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Trojan on October 10, 2010, 07:21:46 am
How about a motorised scooter path as well?  L0L
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: Nemesis on October 10, 2010, 09:40:06 am
Probably was, but my neighbour told me that it was available yesterday.!
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: Quiggs on October 10, 2010, 01:29:32 pm
 I saw J.L.Reay in Mostyn St. earlier this year, with a camera on top of a long pole, taking photos of the buildings on the opposite side of the road. Maybe the cause of the poor photos?   :D
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: Nemesis on October 10, 2010, 04:40:09 pm
 :o *&(
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: DaveR on October 10, 2010, 04:44:34 pm
That reminds me, what happened to Llandudno Historical Society, their website is dead?
http://www.llandudnohistoricalsociety.org.uk/ (http://www.llandudnohistoricalsociety.org.uk/)
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Pendragon on October 10, 2010, 05:11:09 pm
Cyclists use the Promenade at present, I see them every day. What needs to change?
No one likes change, I think cycle paths are a really good idea and the ones already in use up and down the coast are excellent for families with children.  They provide a safe route for cyclists.  Surely its better than riding on the roads and pavements. Saying that, I dont live in Town, so wouldn't have a clue how to resolve the problem faced with the Prom. 
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: Trojan on October 10, 2010, 09:20:39 pm
I saw J.L.Reay in Mostyn St. earlier this year, with a camera on top of a long pole, taking photos of the buildings on the opposite side of the road. Maybe the cause of the poor photos?   :D

Should have got Birdseyeviewofwales to show him how it's done.  ;)
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: DaveR on October 10, 2010, 09:24:56 pm
I saw J.L.Reay in Mostyn St. earlier this year, with a camera on top of a long pole, taking photos of the buildings on the opposite side of the road. Maybe the cause of the poor photos?   :D

Should have got Birdseyeviewofwales to show him how it's done.  ;)
Yes!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3959331084_71acaa2233_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellotowyntravel/3959331084/)
Llandudno prom (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellotowyntravel/3959331084/) by Birdseyeviewofwales (http://www.flickr.com/people/hellotowyntravel/), on Flickr
Title: Re: New Book--Llandudno through time
Post by: Trojan on October 10, 2010, 09:39:57 pm
Mike Owen, the guy with the longest pole in North Wales.  8)
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Yorkie on October 17, 2010, 07:07:43 pm
How about a motorised scooter path as well?  L0L

And one for Segway owners, skateboards, tricycles, scooters (childs), in-line skates, bathchairs, even pedestrians could have their own designated path!     ¢¢##   *&(   $wales  $uk  $eu  $thanx$
Title: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: DaveR on October 17, 2010, 07:51:04 pm
I'm glad this scheme is finally approved, another boost for the local area. In case you were wondering, Furnace Farm is the set of buildings on the left at the side of the A470, just after you have gone down Bodnant Hill (see Google Map at bottom of post).

Plans for £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food

The Bodnant Estate will be at the heart of efforts to showcase Welsh produce The best of Welsh food and drink is to be promoted through a new venture funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced plans to open a new £6.4m centre of excellence to champion the industry.

The centre will create 30 new jobs and be situated at Furnace Farm on the Bodnant Estate in the Conwy Valley.

It has been made possible through £2.7m European funding.

The project will see 18th century farm buildings on the agricultural estate renovated to become environmentally sustainable, while showcasing local produce from across Wales.

Once complete, they will house a farm shop, a tea room, restaurant and a cookery school. There will also be a new National Beekeeping Centre for Wales on site.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-11557846 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-11557846)

glan conwy - Google Maps (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=glan+conwy&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Llansanffraid+Glan+Conwy,+Colwyn+Bay,+Aberconwy+and+Colwyn,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.233751,-3.804842&spn=0.003166,0.010504&t=h&z=17)
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Quiggs on October 17, 2010, 11:03:31 pm
I do not see what the problem is with cycling on the Prom. The cyclists in Mostyn St on the pavements seem to miss most of the pedestrians as they weave there way along. I thought cycling on the pavement was illegal. It was in my day. I cycle on the road as is my right, and will continue to do so, even if I inconvenience some motorists. Of which I am one from time to time.  ::)
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: Quiggs on October 17, 2010, 11:17:35 pm
£6.4 million, 30 jobs, a tea room,shop,beekeeping etc. is someone taking the P.  ???
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: DaveR on October 18, 2010, 08:52:33 am
It will give a big boost to producers of local food throughout the area, so more jobs etc created there too.

$wales  $eu

Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: Ian on October 18, 2010, 09:02:05 am
I like the bee keeping;  we need more young apiarists, and the more we can do to encourage folk to take up this hobby, the better.
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Llechwedd on October 19, 2010, 11:54:38 am
Oh I wish people would stop wittering on about a daft cycle track on the PROMENADE the meaning of which is to walk.  Cyclists use the road that's what it's there for.  They seem to think the Highway Code doesn't apply to them.  I was nearly mown down by an idiot going the wrong way down the length of Gloddaeth Avenue and how many go down one way streets the wrong way.  It's tedious and boring - every week reading yet another letter in the Weekly News. No No No. :rage:
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Yorkie on October 19, 2010, 04:30:47 pm
Llechwedd - if it bothers you that much you should stop reading about it!      ¢¢##
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: DaveR on October 19, 2010, 05:13:55 pm
The letter in the Weekly News is always by Roy Spilsbury, I wonder he has any time to go cycling! ;D
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Trojan on October 19, 2010, 05:30:37 pm
The letter in the Weekly News is always by Roy Spilsbury, I wonder he has any time to go cycling! ;D

He keeps his pen & notepad in his saddle-bag.  :P
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Dave on October 19, 2010, 06:41:38 pm
Must admit I have always favoured a cycle track along LLandudno Prom as it appears to work well in Colwyn Bay. Being a law obiding citizen I wouldn't ride on the Llandudno Prom if it is not permissable... but have to admit to riding on the pavement now and again ( although not down Mostyn St). I recently plucked up courage and rode along the road way alongside the prom and found it wasn't nearly as daunting as I imagined it would be. Mind you I have only been the once !
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: Dave on October 19, 2010, 06:44:58 pm
I guess it's no more than the subsidy towards the canteen in the new assembly buildings in the Junction !
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: MrFalafel on October 20, 2010, 01:10:38 pm
While the idea is a sound, I'm not so sure about the location. Why not put Welsh food outlets in existing shopping centres or next to supermarkets to encourage people to replace their normal everyday food purchases with local foods?  When you're doing your weekly shopping are you really going to make a special trip up to Bodnant to buy local foods instead of just hitting Tesco's as usual?

How long with those 30 jobs last if very few people make this special trip to visit?
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: DaveR on October 20, 2010, 02:09:44 pm
Not a bad idea, MrFalafel!  $good$
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: Trojan on October 20, 2010, 05:45:05 pm
Not a bad idea, MrFalafel!  $good$

Yes, good point.  ?{}?
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: Dave on October 20, 2010, 05:45:21 pm
Bee hives in Asda car park...... mmmmmmmmmmm, maybe not.
Title: Re: New £6.4m North Wales centre for Welsh food at Bodnant
Post by: Trojan on October 20, 2010, 05:47:18 pm
Bee hives in Asda car park...... mmmmmmmmmmm, maybe not.

Yes, good point.  ?{}?
Title: Re: Cycle lane along the Prom
Post by: Blongb on October 22, 2010, 05:09:24 pm
Having got my Bus Pass I decided to visit Colwyn Bay, I get these mad impulses from time to time. All the way down Glan Y Mor Road on the trusty Number 12 we were held up by a cyclist who decided it was his democratic right to ride down the road and ignore the cycle path that had been put at great expense just 4 feet to his left. On another occasion whilst walking down the prom minding my own business, I was shouted at to get out of the f***ing way by a speeding cyclist who only concern was how fast he could get from A to B. Whilst we still have such inconsiderate people using bicycles they cannot unfortunately be allowed to mix with the General Pedestrian Public. Good on Mostyn's for telling the Council no to a cycle path down the middle of the Promenade.
Title: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Nemesis on November 16, 2010, 02:58:21 pm
Just picked up the Oxfam Unwrapped catalogue. Just an idea for the Betws-y- Coed new toilet block in these straitened times.
Page 13-- A decent loo for £50.00.
So, for £1000.00 there could be 20 new toilets, a phenomenal saving and ecological to boot !
Wouldn't hold your breath on the reality of it ! _))*
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Hugo on November 16, 2010, 07:03:37 pm
Can't be any worse than those on Bardsey Island!       :o
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Pendragon on November 16, 2010, 10:37:08 pm
Ah now y'see that's the reason I've never wanted to go to Glastonbury, no proper clean toilets. I'd be horrified. aaa.gif
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: dontheturner on November 17, 2010, 03:38:05 am
Ah now y'see that's the reason I've never wanted to go to Glastonbury, no proper clean toilets. I'd be horrified. aaa.gif

Please, then I beg you, Pendragon, do not visit a Hospital in Thailand - the public ones,are all ''Footprint style''- and certainly not convenient if wearing longer trousers.- (unless you can chat to a nice nurse, and use the staff ones!)  dontheturner
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Ian on November 17, 2010, 08:01:55 am
That sort of toilet arrangement is pretty common in many countries.  The Vatican still uses them, for instance.
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Nemesis on November 17, 2010, 11:27:19 am
Friend of mine once took her leg out of her trousers to use a 'footprint' toilet in France and promptly lost a shoe down it !! Don't ask why she took a leg out--the mind boggles ! ))* _))*
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Hugo on November 17, 2010, 02:52:06 pm
I went into one in Singapore Airport and it was disgusting, all I can say is that I hope that the previous occupants were not in Singapore's Airforce bomber command as they would have missed the target every time!      :-}}}
The next cubicle to it was for disabled people so I went in there and it was spotless and it was just like ours.     D)
Title: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Ian on March 30, 2011, 10:28:23 am
 :)
Title: WiFi Hotspots
Post by: Ian on March 30, 2011, 10:35:09 am
The place to list any particularly good or dreadfully bad areas locally for free WiFi reception.
Title: Re: WiFi Hotspots
Post by: Ian on March 30, 2011, 10:38:27 am
If you get your broadband via BT you can sign up for BT Fon (http://www.btfon.com/).  In the Llandudno area, quite a few have.  In the map below, a blue square shows where you can log on for free...
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Yorkie on March 30, 2011, 11:23:25 am
That sort of toilet arrangement is pretty common in many countries.  The Vatican still uses them, for instance.

Well, I suppose the Pope has to poop!    L0L
Title: Re: Build a bog
Post by: Yorkie on March 30, 2011, 11:24:25 am
Friend of mine once took her leg out of her trousers to use a 'footprint' toilet in France and promptly lost a shoe down it !! Don't ask why she took a leg out--the mind boggles ! ))* _))*

Sounds like it would be a good place to wear my kilt!     _))*
Title: Re: WiFi Hotspots
Post by: Trojan on March 30, 2011, 04:02:54 pm
Last year I was looking for a cafe with a hotspot, to no avail.

McDonalds restaurant on the Mostyn Champneys retail park has a hotspot:

http://www.hotspot-locations.de/modules.php?name=HotSpots&op=show_detail&which=55697&backlink=%2Fmodules.php%3Fname%3DHotSpots%26op%3Dhotspot_query%26hsl_countryhs%3DGB%26hs_city%3DLlandudno%26newlang%3Denglish (http://www.hotspot-locations.de/modules.php?name=HotSpots&op=show_detail&which=55697&backlink=%2Fmodules.php%3Fname%3DHotSpots%26op%3Dhotspot_query%26hsl_countryhs%3DGB%26hs_city%3DLlandudno%26newlang%3Denglish)

Llandudno Library now has a WiFi hotspot:

http://www.hotspot-locations.com/modules.php?name=HotSpots&op=show_detail&which=63335&backlink=%2Fmodules.php%3Fname%3DHotSpots%26op%3Dhotspot_query%26hsl_countryhs%3DGB%26hs_city%3DLlandudno (http://www.hotspot-locations.com/modules.php?name=HotSpots&op=show_detail&which=63335&backlink=%2Fmodules.php%3Fname%3DHotSpots%26op%3Dhotspot_query%26hsl_countryhs%3DGB%26hs_city%3DLlandudno)
Title: Re: WiFi Hotspots
Post by: brumbob on March 30, 2011, 04:12:54 pm
It says you have to pay to use McDonalds hotspot access in that link
but the McDonalds web site says it is free  ???
Title: Re: WiFi Hotspots
Post by: Trojan on March 30, 2011, 04:19:23 pm
It says you have to pay to use McDonalds hotspot access in that link
but the McDonalds web site says it is free  ???

Hmmm....Did you see Operator information which is not correct? Report errors to contact @ hotspot-locations.com.

I believe it is free.
Title: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Pendragon on April 18, 2011, 11:35:26 am
What are your thoughts on Falconry Services.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/03/30/councils-axe-bird-of-prey-seagull-deterrent-55578-28426435/ (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/03/30/councils-axe-bird-of-prey-seagull-deterrent-55578-28426435/)

As you are probably aware Conwy and Denbighshire Councils have agreed that  Falconry Services in both North Wales areas are to be axed.  Not forgetting of course that both Councils have been for sometime in each others pockets utilizing the same initiatives and working together in many areas such as Licensing and Public Safety etc.  So a difference in opinion between said Councils was never going to be an issue.

"Public protection officers in Conwy and Denbighshire County Councils won’t use the Rhyl firm, claiming it is too costly and ineffective."

Phil Rafferty said ": “On that basis, and the fact that it is of little or no deterrent, we have decided not to pursue this further."

The scheme was originally instigated after  Mr Espley and Robert Davies from Rhyl, witnessed 37 seagull attacks in the town in an hour and a half.
I can't speak for Llandudno as I don't live there but maybe members on here can say if they noticed a decline in Seagull presence or attacks?

Last year Falconry Services patrolled the streets of Conwy and anyone who lives here will tell you that seagulls were deterred.  It's also a lot more humane as the Falcons do not kill seagulls they deter them from nesting.  Seagulls can cause untold damage to properties. Gulls can create problems by making a great deal of noise and because they are very territorial, this can result in aggressive behaviour towards you and your family - particularly during the breeding season if they're nesting on, or near your home. Businesses in the area suffer when patrons to their outside eating areas are attacked for food and it seems children are their prime targets. Anyone living in a coastal area will tell you of someone who has been attacked by Gulls, I have for one and so was my son, both incidents on Conwy Quay.

Here are a few sites for you to read on Birds of Prey and their function toward nuisance birds such as Gulls.

http://www.effectivebirdcontrol.co.uk/pestcontrol.html (http://www.effectivebirdcontrol.co.uk/pestcontrol.html)

http://www.premierwaste.com/pages/posts/falcons-on-the-landfill40.php (http://www.premierwaste.com/pages/posts/falcons-on-the-landfill40.php)

http://www.nbcbirdandpest.co.uk/Bird-Control.cfm (http://www.nbcbirdandpest.co.uk/Bird-Control.cfm)

A friend is setting up a facebook page this week to highlight the public's views on the subject, I will post the link here as soon as it's up and running.  

Of course we could always challenge Phil Rafferty and his merry men (one in a pram) to walk from Upper Mostyn Street to Bog Island with a bag of Chips and an Ice Cream and see how many times they are attacked by the Seagulls.  
The next day I will go and do the same mission with Falconry Services across the road.  I Promise I will.

Then they can tell us again the initiative doesn't work!











Title: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Llechwedd on April 18, 2011, 11:59:20 am
When I lived in the Barbican in London the City of London employed and probably still does hawks to destroy pigeons and they were very successful! :o
Title: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 18, 2011, 12:12:40 pm
As a pigeon lover, its good news  D)  I'm no fan of falcons  $angry$
Title: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 18, 2011, 12:19:17 pm
I've not heard of a single case of people being attacked by pigeons? It's the decline of Gulls we want to see and this initiative does seem to work.  :D
Title: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 18, 2011, 12:29:53 pm
If a service were in place to protect the public and tourists on our coasts and the Council decided not to utilize that service, given that it was started due to the fact 37 people were witnessed being attacked in an hour and a half in Rhyl last year..  Does this mean that next time your child was attacked in the street eating an ice cream, we could claim compensation from the Council?  I wonder  ?{}?
Title: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on April 18, 2011, 01:10:44 pm
I've only ever seen these people in Rhyl and Conwy, never Llandudno. They should be permanently stationed outside Cafe Culture, as the gulls sit on the HSBC building opposite and swoop down the minute someone leaves their table with any food on it.
Title: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 18, 2011, 01:25:33 pm
It's the same outside the Ham bone and the Take a Break I've witnessed this myself.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 18, 2011, 05:16:30 pm
I'm going to post some photos and more information on the Birds of Prey later on.  Should get some good pics with my new camera  ;)  I'm looking forward to meeting the Handlers too.  I'm quite excited  <:<:<:<
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: kitered66 on April 18, 2011, 09:17:37 pm
Having read the comments and opinions of forum members ,i would like as one of the two directors of the Coastal Hawks Project  who have been patrolling ,Rhyl/Conwy and for a limited time last summer Llandudno to invite any body to come and meet my self and my fantastic birds ,we are in Llandudno on Wednesday  20th April ,this and more visits to Llandudno is down to Jim Jones {cbcc tourism dept}who is employing the project to walk the streets of Llandudno and Conwy over the easter holiday .now as we know that the project does not work we will not be stopping seagulls from attacking any one,but please fell free to come and take your chances and have a chat  with us  $thanx$
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: gail.hudson on April 18, 2011, 10:12:12 pm
Lets hope we get lot's of support for you, We'll be down to take pics this week.  I feel very passionate about the project and if this helps in any way I'm happy.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Fester on April 18, 2011, 10:56:44 pm
I have never been against seagulls per se, and I don't detest them as such even now...BUT.
Last year, on the Pier I witnessed several attacks per day by seagulls, some amusing... and some downright nasty.
In fact I even saw them working in teams to ensure they deprived unsuspecting kids of over-priced ice cream etc.

Interesting though it was to watch them, I didn't appreciate it happening to me, which it did about 5 times.

What I did notice, was that on several occasions the guys with the hawks were indeed present on the pier, and it was a VERY effective deterrent.

Apart from being beautiful creatures, the Harris Hawk and the others made sure that the seagulls left visitors unmolested while they ate.
The seagulls wouldn't come within half a mile of them.

Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: margo on April 19, 2011, 06:47:44 am
anything that deters the seagulls from frightening my grandchildren by taking fod out of their hands gets my vote
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Llechwedd on April 19, 2011, 12:15:29 pm
Where will you be on the 20th?
I've had ice cream cones taken out of my hands in the Happy Valley and on Conwy Quay.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on April 20, 2011, 11:09:21 am
The Hawks are outside Cafe Culture at the moment.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 22, 2011, 12:39:00 pm
This morning I went down the Quay in Conwy to take some photos of the Coastal Hawk Project birds.  I met the directors Robert Davis and Mike Espley.
Mike and Rob explained that last year the Council encouraged the Project and paid them for 3 months work, the Council also asked them to hand out forms with questions such as "do you think the Coastal Hawk Project has been an effective tool in deterring Seagulls in Rhyl."  308 forms were distributed and 298 forms came back saying YES the project had made a significant difference to the area.  These were the opinions of local people who live in Rhyl.  
The Council however would not acknowledge the results and did not consider them important in the final decision to cut funding?  Mike and Rob both said Phil Rafferty has not entered into any discussion with them regarding the project and the decision was a closed case.  
Rob explained that the Project is also the most humane way to deal with Seagulls as none of the Gulls are actually killed,  the mere sight of the Birds of Prey is enough to put the Gulls off nesting in the area.



My questions are these:

1 Why would the Council pay for the 3 months the project was running in Rhyl, if it was deemed of little or no deterrent.

2 What alternatives can the Council put in place to stop seagull attacks?  

Seagull attacks are increasing and the Council has decided in it's wisdom to do absolutely nothing about this issue.  It's only a matter of time before a child loses an eye or is left traumatized by an attack.  

Pic 1  Scarlet the Snowy Owl
Pic 2  Zazu Bengal Eagle Owl
pic 3  Spirit American Red Tailed Hawk
Pic 4  Jessy the Harris Hawk

Update:  The facebook page now has 204 members.

Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Yorkie on April 22, 2011, 01:03:50 pm
It is a sad fact that if people did not feed the gulls in the first place there would not be any problem.   

In our favourite holiday resort in Portugal there are hundreds of gulls but we have never seen any problems with them.    This may be due to it being a fishing centre and they get plenty of scraps thrown from the fishing boats, or they catch their own food.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 22, 2011, 03:12:12 pm
I remember a friend coming down to Conwy from Preston.   We had chips on the Quay and she started feeding the Seagulls her left overs.  She looked puzzled when I asked her to stop.  Her point was that Pigeons are the nuisance in cities etc and feeding the Seagulls on the beach is all part of the holiday experience.  Most holiday makers are here for a week and then they go never realizing they have added to the problem by feeding the Gulls.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: kitered66 on April 22, 2011, 09:44:12 pm
 As a director of the Coastal Hawks project  i would like to let you all know that the project will be in Conwy all of this weekend  and Llandudno on Tuesday of next week if any body has any questions please feel free to chat to us  but please tell us you use this forum  also please enjoy our beautiful hawks, falcons and owls thank you for all of your comments . the thing that upsets me most is that we will not this year be able to offer any employment to the long term unemployed youth in Llandudno or Conwy  for our training we targe t this group aged between 18 and 24 years old ,who have been inactive for over 6 months , this saddens me greatly  :-[  also as north wales relies on tourism as its main industry  if the public get attaked  thay will not holiday here again   we can help , so ca
n you
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on April 22, 2011, 09:49:04 pm
Where do the Hawks come from?
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Trojan on April 23, 2011, 12:38:55 am
Where do the Hawks come from?

I believe they hatch from eggs Dave.  :D
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Fester on April 23, 2011, 12:41:35 am
You snatched that answer from me, moments before I was typing the very same thing !
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Trojan on April 23, 2011, 01:05:32 am
You snatched that answer from me, moments before I was typing the very same thing !

 WWW
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Ian on April 23, 2011, 08:09:27 am
Quote
You snatched that answer from me, moments before I was typing the very same thing !


A hawkish approach, definitely...



 WWW
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on April 23, 2011, 08:54:07 am
Where do the Hawks come from?

I believe they hatch from eggs Dave.  :D
I knew I was asking for trouble asking that question.  $angry$ I meant as in how does a wild bird like a Hawk end up being kept in captivity?
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 23, 2011, 11:11:37 am
An excellent day on Conwy Quay today.  The Coastal Hawks drew a large crowd.  The Project is not just about deterring Gulls as you can see from the pictures.  It's also a fantastic tourist attraction.  With the Wizard and Jester entertaining the crowds the birds in the background, you can't get a better backdrop than the medieval town of Conwy.  I can't tell you how many kids I saw wearing medieval tabards and carrying swords and shields bought no doubt from the Knights Shop who also incidentally are working with The Coastal Hawk Project.  You can also get the kids involved with half hour sessions of sword fighting.  I'm tempted to have a go myself, many a time I've thought to myself "if only I could wield a sword properly, or even a piece of 4x2"  :twoface:  Joking aside it was a great day.  I've put photos of the day on this post and included one of Rob with a young Owl.  Ok the last photo was taken in the George it's thirsty work all this enjoying yourself.

Unfortunately I can't upload the pics at the mo, sorry

Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 23, 2011, 11:57:56 am
These are the pics
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on April 25, 2011, 11:09:15 am
Coastal Hawks - Help for Heroes Walk will be on the 4th June 2011 starting at Prestatyn at 8am and arriving in Conwy at 6pm

The Coastal Hawk team and the Knights shop in Conwy are taking part in a Three Castle Walk beginning at Prestatyn Castle then over to Conwy.  The group will be joined by the TA, Army, fire and rescue cadets and friends dressed in Medieval costumes, shields and swords, they will also be accompanied by a selection of the Birds of Prey.  The walk covers approximately 30 miles finishing at Conwy Quay where they will have a Party and an Auction.  All money raised from the Walk and Auction will be donated to Help the Heroes.
If there is anything you can do to help, such as giving items for the Auction or sponsorship for the event please get in touch with Kevin at:

kevinh4hwalk@hotmail.co.uk  or tel: Kev on  07766899837

please visit this sight and support help for heroes

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coastal-Hawks-Help-for-Heroes-Walk-4th-June-2011/180545355319342 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coastal-Hawks-Help-for-Heroes-Walk-4th-June-2011/180545355319342)
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: gail.hudson on April 25, 2011, 11:31:21 am
The coastal hawks team along with the knight shop in conwy will be doing a three castle walk from prestatyn castle to conwy finishing with a party on the quay the coastal hawks team will be joined by the TA, the army fire and rescue cadets and some friends they will also be dressed in medieval costume shield and swords also they will be accompanied by a selection of birds of prey the walk should be about 30 mile with all the money raised going to help for heroes from the walk and from the party on the quay also we will holding a auction but we still need help if the is any one that can help or would like to help please get in touch with me kevin at kevinh4hwalk@hotmail.co.uk
or on 07766899837 we are still look for things to auction or people to come to the quay in conwy on the day to make it a fun day for all
if you can help do

kevin bunn
Title: Llandudno Promenade Webcam
Post by: deganwy on May 07, 2011, 06:03:55 pm
As a regular visitor to the town for 25 years I much appreciate the forum to keep in touch.
What would be popular (and commercially attractive?) I am sure would be a webcam showing the promenade and surroundings particularly if it was able to be controlled  by the viewer.They have such a system at Exmouth.
Looking forward to our July visit.  Cheerio
Title: Re: Llandudno Promenade Webcam
Post by: Trojan on May 07, 2011, 06:08:44 pm
There's a fixed webcam on this website:

http://www.llandudno-weather.co.uk/ (http://www.llandudno-weather.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 09, 2011, 12:50:24 pm
I was talking to the team at Coastal Hawks last week on the Quay, they've done really well in raising money for the  Help the Heroes sponsored walk they're doing,  over a £1000 so far.  Keep it up lads, I'd like to join in but in all honesty 30 miles is pushing it a bit.  I truly don't think I'd manage it.  I'll be at the auction though and I'll sponsor them too.  If anyone has anything they would donate for the raffle or the auction PM me and I'll put you in contact with the team.  All proceeds going to Help the Heroes.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 09, 2011, 10:56:50 pm
Good news, Oscar has mentioned the Hawk Project on his site.  Looks like he supports us too.  :D
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Fester on May 09, 2011, 11:03:22 pm
...But judging by all the anonymous comments, not many others seem to agree with us.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 09, 2011, 11:12:07 pm
Yeah but to be honest anyone can make an ill informed comment

Anonymous said...
unless you have a 100 hawks covering every street in llandudno then it wont deal with the problem.

I mean that's complete rubbish.  I like the one about shooting the tourists though, that was funny  _))*
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Trojan on May 10, 2011, 12:22:22 am
He has eyes like a hawk that Oscar chap.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Trojan on May 10, 2011, 02:40:06 am
Yeah but to be honest anyone can make an ill informed comment

Anonymous said...
unless you have a 100 hawks covering every street in llandudno then it wont deal with the problem.


I believe the hawks fly  :laugh: so therefore cover a greater distance than us 'walkers'.

Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Trojan on May 10, 2011, 05:20:00 am
Saw this nice bird recently.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Trojan on May 10, 2011, 05:38:30 am
When I lived in the Barbican in London the City of London employed and probably still does hawks to destroy pigeons and they were very successful! :o

I remember spending a week at RAF Lossiemouth,Scotland, in 1976 which was my first experience of seeing a falconry.

The birds of pray were used to keep wild birds away from the runways, minimizing the risk of birdstrikes - birds being sucked into the jet engines of the aircraft.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on May 11, 2011, 12:41:16 pm
Story in the Pioneer about how Bob Blackwell has apparently saved the Hawks:
http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/102211/company-swoops-in-to-help-fund-hawks-project.aspx (http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/102211/company-swoops-in-to-help-fund-hawks-project.aspx)

Why it's illustrated with a photo of John 'I run Rhyl' Gizzi, I don't know?
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Yorkie on May 11, 2011, 01:41:32 pm
Quote from link. 
Mr Blackwell disagrees with the council’s assessment.  He said: “We had in excess of 350 birds, between 150 and 180 breeding pairs. That's a lot of nests, a lot of debris and a lot of chicks.
“This is a 20 acre complex and the hawks have driven the birds out of the area.  

Exactly!   The hawks don't get rid of the seagulls, they just move them on to cause havoc to other people somewhere different.    As Delboy would say, "What a plonker!"      _))*
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 11, 2011, 03:13:48 pm
The point is over time the Hawks will have a dramatic effect on nesting numbers, no nesting = no baby gulls thus obviously reducing the numbers.  A gull can live for anything up to 20 years if the council don't see the need for a deterrent now, can you imagine what it's going to be like in 5 years time!
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 11, 2011, 03:46:38 pm
Another quote from the link:
Bob Blackwell, managing director of Quinton Hazell in Mochdre, said: “We engaged these guys until July purely to stop the seagulls nesting. They’re doing a great job.

Mike Espley, one of the founders of the Coastal Hawks which include a snowy owl, a harris hawk and a falcon, said that the intent was not to hurt gulls, but to move them away from busy areas.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Yorkie on May 12, 2011, 08:15:46 am
The point is over time the Hawks will have a dramatic effect on nesting numbers, no nesting = no baby gulls thus obviously reducing the numbers.  A gull can live for anything up to 20 years if the council don't see the need for a deterrent now, can you imagine what it's going to be like in 5 years time!

We have not had hawks chasing gulls for the past million years so where are the vast numbers?   Nature controls itself as it has done since time immemorial. 

Man is the culprit by trying to change and "improve" what nature intended. 

And holiday makers are the ones who feed the gulls thus preventing them following their natural instinct to hunt and forage for food.   As I have said before there is no problem with gulls in the Algarve resorts.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 12, 2011, 09:02:29 am
The Hawks are not there to kill or chase gulls.  They deter the gulls from laying eggs.
If you don't eat your food outside Llandudno cafe's, let your children eat ice cream on the Pier or eat your pastie in the street then you won't appreciate the need for this service.  Yes holiday makers feed the gulls we all know this and posters, flyers and warning signs concerning the feeding of gulls have all proved futile in turn the number of gulls present in Llandudno, Rhyl and Conwy have escalated. 

The scheme was originally instigated after  Mr Espley and Robert Davies from Rhyl, witnessed 37 seagull attacks in Rhyl town in an hour and a half.  Now if one of your children or grandchildren had been attacked, if you  had your alfresco lunch whipped off your plate or your sandwich snatched from your hands, I'm almost positive your stance on this problem would be entirely different.  I have witnessed these attacks on Conwy Quay, my son has been ambushed by gulls for his ice cream and I've had my Pastie stolen and so I know for a fact this service is vital for tourist safety. 

Or as suggested on Oscars shoot the tourists  ;D
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 12, 2011, 09:10:19 am
Good news, Oscar has mentioned the Hawk Project on his site.  Looks like he supports us too.  :D
Take that back, he's only published the negatives apart from yours Fester.  Or am I just sulking 'cos he's not published mine.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on May 19, 2011, 12:03:49 am
The derelict Butterfly Jungle is starting to take shape in Conwy, soon to be the base of the Coastal hawks Service.  I have no doubt this will prove very beneficial to Conwy.  Mike says he will post more pics soon.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on June 05, 2011, 06:20:19 pm
The 30 mile sponsored walk for Help the Heroes was a great success yesterday.  Approximately 60 people including members from the Coastal Hawks Project, Soldiers and my little sister  :D started the walk at 8.15am from Prestatyn and arrived on Conwy Quay at 6pm.  They were welcomed in by cheering spectators, bag pipes and a band.  Fair play to them they were all extremely tired.  Rob was telling me they lost around 6 people due to severe blisters.  The auction raised over £500 and Coastal Hawks raised over £2000 for the Help the Heroes charity.  I'll write more tomorrow, got pool tonight so I'm in a rush.

Also had to give Dave Best (Besty) a mention as he is Conwys Town Cryer.  He looked great in his outfit.  One of my favorite people is our Besty.  Love him to bits  :-*
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on June 05, 2011, 08:08:34 pm
That's a long walk, well done to them all. I had a nose around the Quay in the afternoon, liked the Stocks where some poor lady was being bombarded with wet sponges. Military vehicles were good, too.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: DaveR on June 05, 2011, 08:12:56 pm
The derelict Butterfly Jungle is starting to take shape in Conwy, soon to be the base of the Coastal hawks Service.  I have no doubt this will prove very beneficial to Conwy.  Mike says he will post more pics soon.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Michael on June 05, 2011, 09:49:57 pm
Trust the forum to cover something like this have just read this thread. I didnt realise it was under "falconry" I searched around Twitter, facebook etc with Help for heroes including the local press but came up with nothing.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on June 08, 2011, 02:58:57 pm
As I mentioned in an earlier post the auction held on the Quay hosted by Adam Partridge from Tvs Flog it raised over £500.  However without doubt the main contributor to that amount was Iltrid.  She must have spent a fortune bless her,  she bid and won a Help the Heroes teddy, wine and chocolates. a £180 voucher for chocolates, the flag signed by all the walkers on the day, signed Benedorm dvds a voucher for the Mountain shop, something to do with someone from Big Brother? and various other bits and bobs in fact I think the only item she didn't bid on was the voucher for white water rafting.  Well done Itrid  $walesflag$
The photo below is Iltrid with the flag.
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: SCMP on June 10, 2011, 12:43:17 am
We had a lovely time in Conwy following the children's trail around the town from the Knights Shop. Such a worth while cause and the nipper learnt a few things to while he was dressed as a knight!
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: DaveR on June 13, 2011, 10:01:46 am
Some interesting comment on Oscar's blog about the future of Llandudno:

"Why is retail the problem solver? Retail - modern format retail and the corporate pursuit of it to remain competitive with other places like bangor, wrexham, chester - is what is in part, killing Llandudno, dragging footfall away from the small shop town centre to the majors who can pay the higher rents.

You want positive retail – get Waitrose: im told they would love a store here but cant assemble a site. They choose only town centre locations, like to fit with the community. Brings spend.
Recent major developments in Llandudno have ripped at its character - it started with the shocker of the theatre, redeemed only by the modern glass boxes that don’t fit but somehow make the whole a more positive thing than the sum of its parts; the swimming pool, Parc Llandudno and ASDA. Ysgol John Bright... jesus, a shocking design that we will be paying for through PFI for years to come.

Do I have a solution – no, I wish. I sense a little change – the World Rally Championship is a sign of a town a little more confident in itself; anyone noticed the reduction in caravan events on Bodafon?; the Grand Hotel site is an opportunity waiting to happen presumably if the legals could get sorted; the upper Orme/Ski Area surely has potential.

Look at (smaller) success stories like Abersoch – I don’t like it but its busy, attractive, Beaumaris – again niche makes the most of its setting.

Every time I drive over the Little Orme I never fail to be impressed… the bay is a jewel so why the hell aren’t we starting off with a sign on the A55 @ Old Colwyn saying “Llandudno via Coast” or as the French would undoubtedly say “Route Maritime et Scenique” Who DOESN’T drive that on holidays. Quid pro quo people pass the new “thing” at Eirias Park/Sea front Colwyn Bay, the pier, Rhos and Craig y Don – they all get the chance of footfall.

Why not look at Urban Lighting, Secondary uses of the prom, the opportunities the sea and sailing might bring, why not a season of festivals; A Local Enterprise Partnerships of local business people looking to promote the place. If the Council don’t offer it, sod em, do it yourself….

Little things build momentum; all the planning in the world doesn’t stop for entrepreneurialism, the people who want to make it happen.
Personally I think Llandudno can be salvaged.
thetownplanner "




A very good thread from townplanner indeed. Personally, I think there are a lot of positives to work with BUT you have to look at the stale leadership locally as well. More focus on events, niches and the natural product would all bring dividends if properly managed and the odd risk taken. Change of use in Mostyn street to A3 as opposed to the dogged defence of 'the retail core' which looks indefensible, given the centre of gravity for shopping has shifted to Parc Mostyn.

Not that it will happen of course. In a previous incarnation, I was a tourism and leisure consultant and worked all over the country on major development and regeneration schemes in resorts up and down the country and abroad, as well as events and tourism strategies - many of which have been successfully executed in places like Southport, whose amazing events programme puts us to shame. Being from Llandudno though, I could never win any work in Conwy and eventually gave up on it.

There's no single magic bullet for Llandudno alas, which is why I'd be skeptical of the ideal of a Blue Planet style big attraction. I'd like to see more focus on the events side personally, with big event at key parts of the calendar supplemented by smaller event that use the pubs, bars and restaurants within the town (Southport's Jazz Festival is an excellent example). The return on investment can be superb and, in time the subsidy can be reduced or phased out completely.

We're also missing out on a good quality, linked hotel to the conference centre which would make it of national stature, but again there seems to be little will to fix this at the moment.

12 June 2011 13:36





the "future" problem with planning is that it gets hung up in debates about the numbers of houses, the amount of jobs (measured in hectares of employment land). All very worthy and keeps planners and landowners and agents (and Council officers and stakeholders) in business as they battle out vested interests for years.

Im not a local government planner, (thought I once was). I can get you permission for your development or pick on the process or the facts to make a hole in a case. That's not my point. My point is that the trigger sits outside planning policy or the way its developed and implemented. And i feel as strongly about Colwyn Bay as i do Llandudno

Anonymous 13:36 and I clearly sing off similar hymn sheet. What is needed for Llandudno is a way to recreate it as a place where people want to come AND stay or return. MAYBE that means reducing the areas and number of shops. MAYBE even a reduction in hotels and B+Bs to cut out the rubbish and strengthen the better.

As retail rents drop in the town centre, watch out for falling investment in buildings. It’s a slow creep thats already happening. (look at uppers floors on Upper Mostyn Street)

For me the solution comes from leadership, proper civic or business leadership that cuts through and across politics, brings in the right expertise at the right time, challenges the status quo of declining places (for so many reasons) and (from reading the blog) declining attitudes, challenge the mindset that contributes to decline; foster entrepreneurialism:

Ill throw out a suggestion. Investigate a nightly tourist tax to fund it. (and perleeze don’t tell me that will make Llandudno less competitive… if 50p or a £1 per night is the difference between you going in holiday, you cant afford it in the first place.) How about using it to make it better, cleaner, more attractive?

12 June 2011 14:44
Title: Re: Falconry in the Three Towns
Post by: Pendragon on June 26, 2011, 02:51:56 pm
‎"The Coastal Hawks Medieval Extravaganza" - one of the successful bidders in Colwyn Bay's "Colwyn Counts" PB Voting event, June 2011

I've email Rob for more information.  ;D

Title: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Pendragon on June 26, 2011, 03:23:51 pm
I was talking to Rob and Mike the other week and they were saying plans are moving along for the Coastal Hawks Project site in Bodlondeb.  I believe it's going to be an excellent tourist attraction for Conwy.  If the artists impression is anything to go by the site will attract people of all ages not just the kids "The medieval siege town" I can't wait to go.  They'll need help from the local community with painting and general jobs towards the completion and Rob has said he would like to get some of the kids in on the act too, I'll certainly help out.  Have a look on the website link below to see the services and attractions on offer everything from a walk round Bodlondeb woods with the birds of prey to Archery.  This is exactly what Conwy needs.  $walesflag$

http://212.67.202.207/~a-10peblig66/4/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=50&367d20ebf4d2fb4e3b525daa87b042c1=e140c7c329703869f7cb0326526241e2 (http://212.67.202.207/~a-10peblig66/4/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=50&367d20ebf4d2fb4e3b525daa87b042c1=e140c7c329703869f7cb0326526241e2)

See below an artists impression of the site, with the tents to hold living history displays, local arts and crafte as well as entertainers.  We will also be offering themed weekends to include archery, siege tower building and many more attractions, never forgetting a wide array of birds of prey.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Blongb on June 27, 2011, 05:06:31 pm
Just a quick mention about Cycling on the Prom. I was coming back from Somerset Street with the wife this afternoon and stopped to have a chat with the Promenade Inspector. After a couple of minutes he spotted two Lycra clad cyclists coming towards us at what I recon must have been well over 30 mph. He stepped out and asked them to slow down and what did he get. "F**K OFF you Stupid S**T" and they carried on at the same speed until they disappeared from sight. It’s irresponsible idiots like them that prove cyclists and pedestrians DO NOT MIX Bring back the No Cycling Prohibition on the prom before some unfortunate person is hurt by these inconsiderate Bast******
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Michael on June 27, 2011, 08:47:34 pm
This is terrible. I've always been a cyclist, supported them, been friends with many. But this attitude and language  makes my blood boil. Provided the prom Inspector was correct, which if your 30 mph is accurate he certainly was, the Council should get on to this, tell Mr Spilsbury for a start, and see if he can identify these two riders. And then tell them, if they want to ride on the prom (which they do) foul language thrown around is a sure way of loosing the privalidge
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Yorkie on June 27, 2011, 09:01:25 pm
I well remember a Promenade Inspector being told to f**k off by someone riding a cycle on the prom.  The difference was that the rider worked for the Council at the Theatre and used the prom to get to and from work!   He even threatened the Prom Inspector with violence if he was ever stopped again.

A fine example!     $angry$   :rage:
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 27, 2011, 10:00:29 pm
a broom handle through the front wheel works wonders!  WWW
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Trojan on June 27, 2011, 10:09:19 pm
a broom handle through the front wheel works wonders!  WWW

That did cross my mind also.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: cyclist on July 04, 2011, 08:32:39 pm
Was it Rob or mike that shouts abuse at a cyclist from their pick-up truck  P415RNF ?
Watch it on youtube watch?v=I92-KXL5ycw or search the registration.

Cheers
Cyclist
Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 04, 2011, 09:06:26 pm
P415RNF - Close pass and agressive passenger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I92-KXL5ycw#)
Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Pendragon on July 04, 2011, 09:24:48 pm
neither it was a woman?
Title: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Fester on July 12, 2011, 10:11:50 pm
I have long said that the Seagull  ''problem'' in Llandudno / Conwy is much worse than I remember it being on the East Coast.

But, it seems that I was wrong,  see here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-14125924 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-14125924)

What do Forum members think should be done about it?
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: DaveR on July 12, 2011, 10:26:30 pm
There was also this case, where a man was blinded in one eye when he picked up a wild bird:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14118494 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14118494)

At risk of stating the obvious....seagulls are wild birds and will attack you if you get too close. Never attempt to pick an injured one up unless you have a blanket or similar to cover it with first.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: TheMedz on July 12, 2011, 11:14:47 pm
and don't go near the young fledgeling seagulls that are now to be seen all over the town.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 12, 2011, 11:24:14 pm
Seagulls seem to pick their victims by watching them first, they look for those who are 'miles away' relaxing and have their guard down, essentially that describes 99% of a seaside resort's visitors. More warning signs are needed and perhaps more enforcement on not feeding them?  Leave the nice friendly pigeons to eat food though ;D  Strangely I remember regularly feeding the seagulls on the pier in the Sixties without any incidents!
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Fester on July 13, 2011, 08:24:33 am
I too have fed the birds in the past...it was never  big deal.
But I think that it is now, because I have seen a spate of injuries to people recently.
Not just children either.

I am in favour, (for the first time in my life) of thinning the numbers of seagulls.
Not through cruel means, such as a cull.
Dave R informed me that in the past, the eggs of seagulls were pricked, to prevent them hatching.

This seems to be a much more civilised way of adddressing the issue, and should be done again.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: hollins on July 13, 2011, 09:54:05 am
Beware of helping injured birds.........
A rather graphic description of an incident from the Sun, not for the fainthearted.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3691455/Seabird-pecks-mans-eye-out.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3691455/Seabird-pecks-mans-eye-out.html)
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Nemesis on July 13, 2011, 02:58:49 pm
Just come back from Town and there are a few 'hot spots' where the gulls are at their worst.
All round the junction of Mostyn St and Lloyd Street
Junction of Mostyn St and Gloddaeth
Prom--- near the Pier, near St Georges Hotel and the Pier itself.

I was only walking down the prom , not eating, chewing or even carrying food and they were swooping round and over me.--Not good for old folks and families! especially enjoying an ice - cream.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Trojan on July 15, 2011, 12:59:54 am
Just come back from Town and there are a few 'hot spots' where the gulls are at their worst.

The worst 'hot spot' is near the jetty.  :laugh:
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: pojo on July 30, 2011, 08:14:40 am
Actually one of the worst spots is in Dolydd/Dinas Rd, a dotty old lady enjoys feeding them, hence all the poop all over her house & the neighbouring houses.

4 nights ago she was at it again & I'm not exaggerating but there were in excess of 50 bloody seagulls flying/swooping over Dolydd.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Yorkie on July 30, 2011, 11:51:24 am
Report it and get her an ASBO!     L0L
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: DaveR on August 01, 2011, 08:20:11 pm
I noticed this seagull enjoying a Cappuccino at the Happy Valley Cafe on Sunday:
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: dwsi on August 01, 2011, 08:44:17 pm
This is a link to Aberdeenshire Councils Seagulls page http://bit.ly/nQNItk (http://bit.ly/nQNItk)

and a seagull problems thread on the forum dawlish.com in devon which is their equivalent of the three towns forum http://bit.ly/rkuCcI (http://bit.ly/rkuCcI)
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: pojo on August 09, 2011, 07:40:17 pm
Report it and get her an ASBO!     L0L
I'd like to but would it be enforced?? I'm just glad we don't live next door to her, must be a nightmare when you've got washing pegged out!
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Yorkie on August 09, 2011, 08:20:41 pm
Report it and get her an ASBO!     L0L
I'd like to but would it be enforced?? I'm just glad we don't live next door to her, must be a nightmare when you've got washing pegged out!

Any ASBO should be enforced.  If they breach the conditions they can be arrested.    ZXZ
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: hollins on August 10, 2011, 07:31:31 am
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=214513391914854&oid=310716489814#w320-h240&comments (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=214513391914854&oid=310716489814#w320-h240&comments)
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Fester on August 10, 2011, 09:02:29 am
Ha ha... its joined in the looting!
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: wrex on August 17, 2011, 07:53:08 am
 The only news is Llandudno town council and CCBC are killing tourism dead.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: DaveR on August 23, 2011, 08:18:52 am
AN investigation was under way yesterday after seagulls died in a suspected poison attack.

At least three seagulls were killed and seven others needed treatment after the birds collapsed and started convulsing on Rhyl beach.

Initial inquiries suggest the birds died after eating poisoned chips and anyone with information was urged to call police.

A part of the beach was closed off to the public on Saturday for public safety while a cause was investigated.

Yesterday a Denbighshire County council spokeswoman said: “Council officers and council lifeguards had to deal with suspected poisoning of a number of seagulls over the weekend.

“Lifeguards and members of the public raised concerns on Saturday afternoon after large number of seagulls started collapsing on the beach in Rhyl. The gulls appeared to start convulsing and then collapsed.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/23/seagulls-killed-at-rhyl-beach-in-suspected-poion-attack-55578-29284489/ (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/23/seagulls-killed-at-rhyl-beach-in-suspected-poion-attack-55578-29284489/)
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: majormellons on August 24, 2011, 09:04:56 am
AN investigation was under way yesterday after seagulls died in a suspected poison attack.

At least three seagulls were killed and seven others needed treatment after the birds collapsed and started convulsing on Rhyl beach.

Initial inquiries suggest the birds died after eating poisoned chips and anyone with information was urged to call police.

A part of the beach was closed off to the public on Saturday for public safety while a cause was investigated.

Yesterday a Denbighshire County council spokeswoman said: “Council officers and council lifeguards had to deal with suspected poisoning of a number of seagulls over the weekend.

“Lifeguards and members of the public raised concerns on Saturday afternoon after large number of seagulls started collapsing on the beach in Rhyl. The gulls appeared to start convulsing and then collapsed.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/23/seagulls-killed-at-rhyl-beach-in-suspected-poion-attack-55578-29284489/ (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/08/23/seagulls-killed-at-rhyl-beach-in-suspected-poion-attack-55578-29284489/)

These gulls should know better than eating chips from a Rhyl chippy.......That's asking for trouble WWW
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: DaveR on August 24, 2011, 11:06:04 pm
I saw this young Seagull in Bangor the other day making off with a flattened Coke Can - why, I don't know!
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Fester on August 25, 2011, 12:13:55 am
I have been watching a baby seagull on the pier kiosk roof this last few days, it has a fishing line hanging from its mouth and therefore must have a fishing hook lodged in its throat.
It is getting weaker day by day, and incessantly lets out plaintive cries.

Its very sad to see, as I don't like to see anything suffer, but there isn't much that can be done when they stay so far away.

Dave R did say that, if caught, it could be helped by a local vet,  but catching it seems nigh on impossible.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Trojan on August 25, 2011, 02:10:12 am
I saw this young Seagull in Bangor the other day making off with a flattened Coke Can - why, I don't know!

The gulls in Bangor are very much into recycling, as opposed to their three towns counterparts.
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Nemesis on September 14, 2011, 03:00:37 pm
Well ! I have just seen everything !
As I parked my car in Asda car park ( furthest away from the store--and I won't go into why !!) I noticed two young seagulls standing looking forlorn by the nearest tree.
Back I came-- trolly full of bags, to put them in the car. Up the two birds toddled and began pecking at my hessian shopping bags through the trolly bars. Buzz off I said (or words to that effect), not a chance-- the blessed things kept on pulling and pecking at the bags at the bottom of the pile. No chance and they weren't a bit afraid of me. I eventually got everything loaded in and drove off leaving them waiting for their next victim.
Glad the bags weren't plastic or they might just have gained something out of them !
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: snowcap on September 14, 2011, 09:56:45 pm
do you think they might have been on the coke
Title: Re: The Seagull Issue
Post by: Nemesis on September 15, 2011, 09:42:42 am
 _))* _))*
Didn't have any-- only fizzy water and a bottle of sarsaparilla :D
Title: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 20, 2011, 03:08:50 am
Llandudno missed out on the Regeneration money currently being enjoyed by Colwyn Bay and now Llandudno looks set to miss out again.

Could we not have had Financial Services?

Why Cardiff again?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14980374 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14980374)

Five enterprise zones for different industries across Wales are being created by the Welsh Government.
It comes after Jaguar Land Rover confirmed on Monday that it is to build a factory in the West Midlands instead of Wales.
Welsh ministers had been urged to act after 21 enterprise zones were announced across England.
The five new zones will be at Anglesey, Ebbw Vale, Deeside, St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, and Cardiff.
Companies investing in the sites will receive rate relief and may benefit from tax breaks to expand.
The Welsh Government said its plans were in the early stages and no final decision had been made on whether to relax planning rules.
Continue reading the main story
Enterprise zones in Wales
•   Anglesey: Energy
•   Cardiff Central: Financial services
•   Deeside: Advanced manufacturing
•   Ebbw Vale: Automotive
•   St Athan: Aerospace.
It is initially making £10m available over the next five years.
Welsh Business Minister Edwina Hart told BBC Wales: "This is a first stage announcement, we are having discussions with other local authorities and partners about possible other enterprise zones.
"I think what's been made clear to me over the summer from industry and all the people I've spoken to is they regard enterprise zones as a real focal point for them."
She said discussions were ongoing with the UK Government over budgets for capital allowances - where companies receive tax breaks when they invest in new machinery to expand.
'Positive discussions'
There had been hopes Jaguar Land Rover would site its new engine plant, which it expected to create 750 jobs, in south Wales.
But the company, which also considered India, said a £355m factory in Wolverhampton would be closer to its other plants.
Ms Hart said enterprise zones had not been a factor in the car manufacturer's decision.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
Many will fear this announcement, which contains no detail or substance to support Welsh businesses, is simply a knee-jerk reaction to the loss of the £355million Jaguar Land Rover plant”
End Quote Nick Ramsay AM Conservative business spokesman
She added: "We had positive discussions with the company.
"If you look at Jaguar Land Rover they are already within the West Midlands with a substantial base.
"I'm obviously very disappointed we were not there at the end game but I'm delighted that the jobs have come to the UK."
She said suppliers in the Welsh car components sector may benefit from orders from the new plant.
Cardiff council leader Rodney Berman said it would help the city compete with English cities and regions.
"I have lobbying for this to happen for some time and have written to the First Minister to urge that enterprise zones are introduced as this is the only way we can be placed on a level playing field with cities such as Bristol," he added.
Conservative business spokesman Nick Ramsay AM said the announcement was "long overdue".
"Many will fear this announcement, which contains no detail or substance to support Welsh businesses, is simply a knee-jerk reaction to the loss of the £355million Jaguar Land Rover plant," he added.
But Alyn & Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said it was "fantastic news" there was to be a zone there.
"The Northern Gateway site has the potential to create up to 5,000 jobs," he added.
"This announcement will enable more people to work locally and bring new opportunities for businesses, both local and national."
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: DaveR on September 20, 2011, 08:21:32 am
These Enterprise Zones are big things, wouldn't Llandudno be far too small to become one?
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 20, 2011, 08:33:16 am
I was thinking more of a Mochdre-Llandudno-Llanfairfechan triangle at the top end of the A470 for a change but close to the A55.

Just think what the building of all those new office blocks offering employment to thousands of locals could have done for our local economy.


Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: DaveR on September 20, 2011, 08:43:57 am
Perhaps WG should take control of corporate taxation and make the whole of Wales a a low tax magnet for business?
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 21, 2011, 08:52:32 am
Maybe but when you think how much money has been invested to make Holyhead and Liverpool successful Cruise Ports, thus helping the economy of both Anglesey and North East Wales, it does make one wonder if the Queen of the Welsh Resorts is just simply stranded in the middle and nobody down in Cardiff really cares.

Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: DaveR on September 21, 2011, 09:09:17 am
I think the problem is that Llandudno really isn't deprived in comparison to towns like Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Holyhead etc. Take a walk around Llandudno and then take a walk around Rhyl to see what I mean!

Things aren't perfect here, certainly, but we are in a far better position than most towns in Wales. The current wave of inward investment from the private sector (Travelodge, Sainsburys, Caffe Nero, DFS etc) will result in 150+ jobs coming to the town. A more proactive attitude from CCBC would soon see problems like the Pier Pavilion site and Tudno Castle Hotel dealt with.
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 21, 2011, 12:09:03 pm
You seem to keep on missing my point.

I am referring to grants, public money and incentives from our Welsh Government.

Perhaps, you believe we shouldn’t really complain now that Llandudno Railway Station is finally being given a facelift with the help of public funding; something that Rhyl had done with theirs a few years ago?

Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: DaveR on September 21, 2011, 12:57:50 pm
I'm not intentionally missing your point - I just don't grasp it. You seem to be saying that Llandudno should have more public money spent on it, even though it is in a far better position that most towns of a similar size in Wales? To me, that doesn't appear to be a morally viable argument?

Don't forget, in just the last couple of years, Llandudno has received a £1.5m grant towards the swimming pool and a £2.7m grant towards Oriel Mostyn.
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 21, 2011, 01:50:51 pm
You obviously had not noticed I was discussing one point and you kept introducing something else which had nothing to do with my point.

FYI, £9m was spent on the cruise terminal in Holyhead and more finance has recently been announced which immediately puts the expenditure on our swimming pool and gallery into perspective.

It is not rocket science which development will bring the most financial reward to its local community if you are looking to draw a comparison.


Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: DaveR on September 21, 2011, 07:35:41 pm
I don't know how many times I can make the point that a town like Holyhead is in a severely depressed area...and Llandudno is not. The WG will not spend major amounts on Llandudno when there are far more deserving cases in Wales. That's the simple answer to your question.  Perhaps you could email the Finch and ask her for her opinion as AM?

http://www.janetfinchsaunders.org.uk/content/contact-us (http://www.janetfinchsaunders.org.uk/content/contact-us)
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 21, 2011, 08:46:25 pm
Gee whizz......

Llandudno missed out on the Regeneration money currently being enjoyed by Colwyn Bay and now Llandudno looks set to miss out again.

Could we not have had Financial Services?

Why Cardiff again?

Is Cardiff a deprived area?  :o
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 22, 2011, 11:52:31 am
DaveR, after reading page 3 of today's NWWN I am beginning to wonder if Guto Bebb MP may be a regular reader of this forum.
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Merddin Emrys on September 22, 2011, 12:23:27 pm
They all look here  $3towns$
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 22, 2011, 09:08:28 pm
The two Enterprise Zones in North Wales are located where there are two current Labour MP's so I wonder if all three locations in South Wales have Labour MP's as well.

MP's fury: No Enterprise Zone for Llandudno Junction
Sep 22 2011 By Mari Jones
THE MP for Aberconwy Guto Bebb has blasted the Welsh Government for not including Llandudno Junction as one of its newly designated Enterprise Zones.
On Monday it was revealed Wales missed out on a new £355m Jaguar Land Rover plant, which went to Wolverhampton.
It was suggested that Wolverhampton’s designation as an Enterprise Zone may have been a factor.
Last year the Government’s business secretary Vince Cable MP launched the Enterprise Zones (EZ), with the aim of attracting inward investment to areas which badly need jobs.
However, The Welsh Government didn’t seem  keen on the idea until on Tuesday it was announced five new zones will be at Anglesey, Ebbw Vale, Deeside, St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, and Cardiff.
Guto Bebb said he nearly fell off his sofa when he heard the news, as since April he’d been making representations to Welsh business minister Edwina Hart, to make Llandudno Junction, historically an industrial town, an enterprise zone.
Mr Bebb said: “Having spoken to the three county councillors for Llandudno Junction and discussing the issue with Conwy County Council I started probing and asking questions as to whether the Welsh Government would be willing to establish Enterprise Zones in Wales. 
“But the response was negative.
“On Monday Jaguar /Land Rover announced their new investment and just hours later the Welsh Government announced the five new enterprise zones.”
The MP is furious there was no consultation in the selection process, and so there was no opportunity to make the case for Llandudno Junction.
He said: “In England areas have argued the case to win EZ status but in Wales it is civil servants who have made the choices with, to my knowledge, no consultation.
“Gross Value Added (GVA) figures show  we in Conwy do significantly worse in terms of GVA per head than areas such as Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan who have been awarded the status. 
“For example Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan have a GVA of around 106% of UK average whilst we in Conwy stand at 59% of UK average.
“Financial services in Cardiff are booming – why send in more money? 
“Flintshire is a good call but again supporting an existing success story. 
“The high grade manufacturing sector is a success (Airbus) and in context EZ status will not make a significant difference.”
Mr Bebb is now working with local councillors and Conwy County Council to get a campaign running for a dedicated EZ in the Junction.
He said: “The Junction has been recognised by both the Welsh Government as a key strategic transport hub and designated as a site for employment growth.
“It is large enough to have an impact but small enough to ensure  the limited additional funds available through the EZ strategy could make a difference.”
The Welsh Government responded:
“This is the first tranche of preferred locations for Enterprise Zones.
“We remain open to opportunities as they arise in other areas of Wales where we are already in discussion with local partners.”  
Title: CMUDC 2011 puts Llandudno on the TV
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 05, 2011, 01:22:56 pm
There was much criticism recently of the above event both in the local media and on this forum.

In my opinion much of it, I hasten to add was ill-founded.

The event was held over three days, in three locations and with the financial support of three County Councils involved.

Anyway, the event was also recoded for television and highlights will be transmitted this Sunday on S4C at 5pm so please remember to set your Sky+ box to record it if you are out.

Let’s hope Llandudno will get its fair share of positive publicity.
Title: Re: CMUDC 2011 puts Llandudno on the TV
Post by: Bri Roberts on October 09, 2011, 03:48:16 am
Don't forget to watch the TV programme later today.

5pm on S4C.
Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Pendragon on January 11, 2012, 05:40:43 pm
Coastal Hawks have been given the go ahead to build the Raptors and Raiders Visitors centre on the site of the former Butterfly Jungle in Bodlondeb Conwy.  Well done to all those involved I reckon it will make a fantastic tourist attraction  $walesflag$

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business-news/business-news/2012/01/11/conwy-falconry-centre-to-be-open-by-easter-after-bosses-receive-lease-55578-30097572/?fb_ref=.Tw3DfLE8nq8.like&fb_source=profile_oneline (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business-news/business-news/2012/01/11/conwy-falconry-centre-to-be-open-by-easter-after-bosses-receive-lease-55578-30097572/?fb_ref=.Tw3DfLE8nq8.like&fb_source=profile_oneline)
Title: Re: Llandudno misses out again
Post by: Bri Roberts on January 31, 2012, 08:58:33 pm
Two enterprise zones could be set up in Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd, it has emerged.

The news was announced as Business Minister Edwina Hart outlined further details on new industrial sites earmarked around Wales.

The creation of the first five enterprise zones serving different industries was announced in September.

Ms Hart has also outlined an extension to the St Athan zone in the Vale of Glamorgan to include Cardiff Airport.

Other zones are to be set up at Anglesey, Ebbw Vale, Deeside, and Cardiff to support key industries around Wales.

Ms Hart said two new enterprise zones could be created at Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd, and Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire.

Newport City Council issued a statement saying it was disappointed its bid for a zone had been rejected.

'Innovative'

"The minister and her officials must work with us to ensure that Newport is not unfairly disadvantaged as it is squeezed on one side by Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and on the other by Ebbw VaIe and Bristol and Hereford on the other," said Newport council leader councillor Matthew Evans.

The minister said not all bids were suitable as zones and ideas put forward in the applications could be pursued in other ways.

She described one proposal from Powys as "particularly innovative" and said more talks would be held regarding small businesses in the retail sector in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon.
Pembrokeshire council leader councillor John Davies said that in its enterprise zone application, the authority identified brownfield locations near to existing energy sites around the Milford Haven waterway.

"We are delighted that the minister has recognised the importance of the energy sector to the future prosperity of Pembrokeshire and Wales," he said.

Milford Haven Port Authority chief executive Alec Don welcomed Haven Waterway's success as a new zone in Pembrokeshire

"Widely recognised as the energy capital of the UK, the waterway has strategic importance to the UK and plays a vital role in the growth of the Welsh economy; supporting thousands of jobs," he said.

"We look forward to working with our partners to further progress the possible designation of the Milford Haven waterway as a potential enterprise zone in due course."

ENTERPRISE ZONES

Anglesey: A number of sites around the island are being considered in the energy and environment sector.

Cardiff: The zone boundary is aligned to the central business district and aims to "establish an internationally competitive destination for financial and professional services".

Deeside: The zone includes Deeside and the Airbus wing-making facility at Broughton and will focus on advanced manufacturing.

Ebbw Vale: Building on its standing in "attracting innovative UK and international manufacturing companies, due to the quality of the local workforce with the relevant skills and experience".

Gwynedd: Use a site at Trawsfynydd to focus on the energy, environment and ICT sectors.

Pembrokeshire: The minister said more talks were needed with UK government over the Haven Waterway zone as it includes a crown port.

St Athan: Due to feedback the zone has been extended to include Cardiff Airport and other employment sites. The plan is to create a zone serving the aerospace sector with investment in aircraft maintenance facilities, international travel and route development, high quality business accommodation, and links to academia.

Source: Welsh government

Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: SCMP on April 04, 2012, 05:34:48 pm
Does anybody know if this will be open this weekend?
I would love to take the family

SCMP
Title: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: AliceLlandudno on April 08, 2012, 09:57:31 pm
Hello

We are holding a huge Alice in Wonderland Themed Tea party totally free of charge on the 4th May 2012 which is going to include a guiness world record attempt
The event is open to everyone of any age and we are asking people to dress up in victorian/ Alice themed costumes. The event is going to be held on the promenade of Llandudno and so far 4 local schools have attended.

Please like our facebook page www.facebook.com/AliceinWonderlandLlandudno (http://www.facebook.com/AliceinWonderlandLlandudno) for more details and to support the future developments in Llandudno with the new Alice Trail coming :)
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: wrex on April 09, 2012, 07:46:32 am
I have already suggested to Mr Mortlock that he requests a meeting with the Decorative lighting committee to look into reinstating the Alice lights in Mostyn St,these days the lights are much lighter than the days when they nearly demolished the Clarence hotel.
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: dingo20 on April 09, 2012, 09:36:36 am
Is there really a decorative lighting committee?
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: DaveR on April 09, 2012, 11:41:53 am
There is.  :-X
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: Yorkie on April 09, 2012, 01:17:19 pm
If you should come across it please advise the Mayor or Town Clerk!     _))*
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: AliceLlandudno on April 09, 2012, 02:46:16 pm
I will mention it at my next meeting :) Thanks for input!
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: wrex on April 10, 2012, 05:09:58 pm
The town council are ones who have the miss Alice competion so it makes sense for them to carry on with the theme of Alice lights,lets not forget that somebody on the council thought it was a good idea once so why not again and they cover the summer as well as xmas.Of course its not worth doing anything till may when we will have at least 10 new councillors in the chamber and as long as the party leaders don;t put them off we can sell it to the newbys first.Without me being to sarcastic this really is a chance for the new town council to get involved with the Alice theme just like CCBC and Mr Mortelock.
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: Yorkie on April 11, 2012, 08:20:20 pm
Wrex, I think that you and I both know that the Miss Alice Competition is run mostly by Councillor Linda Groom with very little input from others on the Council.    ZXZ

The Council were very successful in buggering up the Lighting over the past few years and I would not give them another chance as long as the same old crowd are still in power.    :rage:
Title: Alice Day in Llandudno
Post by: AliceLlandudno on May 12, 2012, 05:06:41 pm
Did you attend Alice Day? or your children?
We have put some of the unofficial pictures from Alice Day onto the Alice in Llandudno facebook page www.facebook.com/AliceinWonderlandLlandudno (http://www.facebook.com/AliceinWonderlandLlandudno)

We would love to see any pictures you may have took on the day or hear what you thought of the event! like our page and give us your feedback!
Thanks x
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: AliceLlandudno on May 12, 2012, 05:08:33 pm
Did you attend Alice Day? or your children?
We have put some of the unofficial pictures from Alice Day onto the Alice in Llandudno facebook page www.facebook.com/AliceinWonderlandLlandudno (http://www.facebook.com/AliceinWonderlandLlandudno)

We would love to see any pictures you may have took on the day or hear what you thought of the event! like our page and give us your feedback!
Thanks x
Title: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: born2run on August 08, 2012, 09:13:34 pm
http://llandudnojetset.wordpress.com/tag/wannabe-wannabes/ (http://llandudnojetset.wordpress.com/tag/wannabe-wannabes/)

Our work here has not been done….
26
09
2008
You won’t like to hear this but Llandudno is floundering in a cesspool of depravity. This is despite the best efforts of the Jet Set.

Now that you’ve let that fact settle in, here’s the meat of the argument; the standard of manners, etiquette and general decorum (the very thing that separates man from the animals) is so low in Llandudno that it may as well be non-existant. This, to understate immensly, is very worrying.

Now I know what you’re thinking; “Oh no, he’s abandoned his revolutionary credentials to become part of the silent majority. He’s going to start ranting about the Gay-Scottish-Political Correctness Gone Mad Brigade-Mafia’s effect on this sceptured isle and about how life used to be better under Pinochet….” Well that’s not the case my friends, the carefully balanced prejudices about to be ejaculated are far more intellectual.

Let’s face it, Llandudno is more depraved now than it used to be. I imagine that you are now muttering indignantly at your computer’s screen about such a bold statement. You’ll be wondering how I can possibly besmirch, nay libel, the good citizens of the “The Queen of Welsh Resorts”. I know I risk ostracism but I feel that I must highlight the depths of depravity.

You don’t need to be a battle-hardened Social Scientist like me to find evidence. All anyone need do is venture into any of Llandudno’s hostelries and it will be there, as clear as the scowl on a teenage face. In fact members of the Jet Set have been subjected to the philistine attitude of Llandudno’s bovine masses 3 times in the last week and a half and it’s time to say enough is enough.

Firstly, I had just entered a hackney carriage when I was immediately assaulted with the phrase “Why don’t you order a taxi when you actually want it, yeah!!!” by the “bloke” driving. I found the first part of the sentence to be fine as I must have kept him waiting for all of 3 minutes, but he felt the need to add the ”yeah” on to the end, ye gods. As I was about to leave the confines of the hackney charge I declined to bid him farewell, I merely handed him the fare. This act of gross impertinence lead to my outing as an ”Ignorant Fucker.” ”Hold on now,” I thought to myself, ”a member of the public has just called me an ”Ignorant Fucker”, my ears must have been deceived.” I attempted to ascertain the veracity of the statement, it turns out that I had misheard him, he had merely wishing me a fond farewell. I debated whether to castigate the troglodyte but thought it would be wasted on someone  evidently on day release from an open prison.

Then as if that wasn’t enough, later the same night some members of the Jet Set were trying to obtain refreshment in the local sticky-carpeted nightspot. The Jet Set should know better than to darken the doors of such an establishment but the intoxicating power of Absinthe plays havoc with your reasoning. So I was at the bar waiting patiently and eventually the chance  to be served presented itself. At last nectar was in our reach on this particularly sticky night. Just as I was about to spake forth our order some teenage harpie screeched her request. As I endeavoured to point out the order of things the Harpie replied “Yeah but I work here or whatever”. I took solace in the fact that she looks like the type of person that’ll be sacked for offering executive relief whilst glass collecting on the dancefloor.

A week later and the Jet Set are still trying to be served, damn manners. The barman indicates that he was about to take my order! The words are just coming when a young hand disdainfully thrusts forward into the barman’s face. The young man attached to it was obviously attempting to beat me to overcoming thirst. He made this movement whilst simultaneously holding money in that haughty style that only truly special people can pull off with aplomb. Now being a person whose manners are renowned in the Conwy Valley area at weekends I let him gain satisfaction before me, unfortunately this act went unthanked.  Just after I thanked providence for placing me next to such a marvellous specimen I casually enquired: “Why do people like you never say thank you.” His comeback: “Mate. mate, mate” Oh yes it was my fault. Ooops!! My manners had slipped again, naughty Eric. Let’s hope that one day a judge  will sentence him to exile on St. Helena.

So there it is, conclusive proof that standards are slipping.

I recommend the following action to address the situation; everyone should be issued with a stamp that prints the legend “UNCULTURED” on to skin. When anyone has been treated with disdain or afforded a lack of consideration the offended person will be able to stamp the perpetrator on the forehead. The ink will be indelible so the offender can’t hide their heinousness.

Now for the good part; Special Snatch squads will be able to pick up the easily identifiable suspects. The suspects will then be sent to special cultural re-education camps for conditioning. This may sound a touch draconian but it’s the only language that these silly billies will understand totally.
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: DaveR on August 08, 2012, 10:33:40 pm
That has to be the most boring blog I've ever read....  &shake&
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: snowcap on August 08, 2012, 10:48:38 pm
sounds a bit upset to me
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Kowalski on August 08, 2012, 11:00:22 pm
I'm glad you all like it!
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: born2run on August 08, 2012, 11:23:07 pm
I like your flags  $good$
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Fester on August 09, 2012, 01:49:46 am
Killer Kowalski was a great wrestler .... back in the day.
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Ian48 on August 09, 2012, 05:05:33 am
I don't think it'll be winning any awards from The Plain English Society anytime soon. In any case, I think the central argument is flawed. Llandudno has always had folks like this and has always had a rougher and less refined element on nights out. In general friendliness and manners are markedly better in towns like Llandudno than in many other places.
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Ian on August 09, 2012, 07:31:15 am
Quote
I don't think it'll be winning any awards from The Plain English Society anytime soon.

 _))* _))* _))*

Superb :-))
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: mull on August 09, 2012, 09:49:07 am
Reads as if he has enjoyed a night on the sauce   :P
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Nemesis on August 09, 2012, 10:07:22 am
Well it is August-- we always reckon the town becomes enveloped in some sort of madness at this time of the year.
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Yorkie on August 09, 2012, 10:54:44 am
I just didn't get past the first dozen lines!   I know we don't want censorship and are all for the freedom of speech, but surely somewhere along the line there must be exceptions to the rule.   When one gets such krap filling up the bandwidth the Members should have a 24hour poll for - "keep or delete" - with Admin taking the action of the majority.    $thanx$
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Fester on August 10, 2012, 01:38:08 am
Well it is August-- we always reckon the town becomes enveloped in some sort of madness at this time of the year.

Indeed, it was good in Cooney's tonight..... wasn't it Dave?    Z** Z** Z**
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Kowalski on August 10, 2012, 08:21:53 pm
I like your flags  $good$

Thanks comrade.

It may interest some of you to know that the blog entry was nominated in the "2009 Plain English awards". I was up for "Best depiction of a small seaside town on the Welsh coast". Unfortunately I lost out to "Thoughts of Oscar".
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: DaveR on August 10, 2012, 09:02:33 pm
Fester wanted to know if you were named after Killer Kowalski, the American wrestler?
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Kowalski on August 10, 2012, 09:36:57 pm
No, I'm Kowalski the driver from Vanishing Point
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 10, 2012, 09:38:16 pm
I have no idea what the blog was on about, but I know the name Kowalski from the excellent film
'Vanishing Point'
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 10, 2012, 09:40:31 pm
No, I'm Kowalski the driver from Vanishing Point

You made a good recovery from driving a Dodge Challenger flat out into a bulldozer all those years ago!   ^*^0 ^*^0
Title: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port.
Post by: Bri Roberts on August 15, 2012, 09:21:48 am
The new SeaWalk used last Saturday for the first time in Norway could be the answer?

http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2012/08/14/the-incredible-floating-cruise-dock-photos/ (http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2012/08/14/the-incredible-floating-cruise-dock-photos/)
Title: Re: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port.
Post by: Yorkie on August 15, 2012, 12:11:21 pm
The new SeaWalk used last Saturday for the first time in Norway could be the answer?

http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2012/08/14/the-incredible-floating-cruise-dock-photos/ (http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2012/08/14/the-incredible-floating-cruise-dock-photos/)

It is a great idea but all made easier by the relatively calm waters of a Norwegian Fjord.   Trying to dock against Llandudno Pier Head, in even a moderate sea, could be difficult.

Cruise and Maritime Ships have started using Liverpool and Fred Olsen is due to start there in Spring next year.  No doubt others will follow.   It will certainly be better than driving down to Dover or Southampton as we do now.  The economics of having another stop off so close to Liverpool (or even Holyhead) will probably govern any decision.
 &shake&
Title: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port.
Post by: Bri Roberts on August 15, 2012, 01:34:46 pm
Yorkie, the new SeaWalk offers an alternative to berthing at Llandudno Pier.

Only very small cruise ships will be able to berth at Llandudno Pier anyway, even when the repairs have been carried out.

It has already been stated the larger cruise ships will need to anchor in the bay with passengers tendered in but we both know that can be a problem with any ship being in port from 7am – 5pm and with our tides.

In choppy waters, the SeaWalk can be a more attractive alternative to tendering.

It is a motorised folding pier so I presume it gets folded away when not in use.

BTW, I wouldn’t get too carried away with Fred using Liverpool next year as I understand it is only the 40 year old ‘Boudicca’ using it.

Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Yorkie on August 15, 2012, 02:02:28 pm
In some way what you say is fine, but it is after all a Floating Pier (see pic) and I can just imagine all the old Codgers one finds on cruises marching down the walkway in anything but a calm sea - which we rarely get on our shores.  On the last few cruises we have been on there has been a plethora of wheelchairs, walking frames and other walking aids.  Many aged and infirm passengers seem to fill the cabins these days!

As for the Boudicca, she is still a fine ship, and at 40 is in the prime of her life, and a darn site better than some of the glitzy 3000 plus passenger cruise ships of today
Title: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port.
Post by: Bri Roberts on August 15, 2012, 02:31:13 pm
In that case, Yorkie, all those disabled passengers would surely much prefer to come ashore in their wheelchairs and electric scooters on that floating pier rather than climb into one of those tender boats?
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Fester on August 15, 2012, 02:34:50 pm
Old Codgers?   Wheelchair and Zimmer frame users?

Thats because they are the only ones with any money my friends.

Take it from me, they are the generation who appreciate nice things and can afford them.
I owe my living to 'Old Codgers' ... and more power  them I say!
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Nemesis on August 15, 2012, 06:25:23 pm
Hear Hear ! ;D
Title: Re: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port.
Post by: Yorkie on August 15, 2012, 07:32:33 pm
In that case, Yorkie, all those disabled passengers would surely much prefer to come ashore in their wheelchairs and electric scooters on that floating pier rather than climb into one of those tender boats?

Dead right, providing the darn thing isn't bouncing up and down!   _))*

Actually there are now very few ports where the passengers are tendered ashore, and those who can't manage stay aboard and are entertained with games or just relax.  Electric scooters are not used on board and I think that anyone in a wheelchair has to be accompanied by an able bodied person.

Also the floating pier has to be accessed down the gangway steps, I don't think it's as easy as it sounds.  Maybe as I get older, and a not so active, I will discover the problems first hand.    ZXZ

I am also going to check my Admiralty Charts as I think there could be an insufficient depth of water in Llandudno Bay for all but the smallest ships.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Michael on August 15, 2012, 07:36:17 pm
   So THATS why I talk to myself all day. Mike
Title: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port.
Post by: Bri Roberts on August 15, 2012, 10:43:12 pm
Actually there are now very few ports where the passengers are tendered ashore, 

Yorkie, did you not know there are still over 70 tender ports in the World including seven in Alaska?

Would you like me to PM a list to you?
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Yorkie on August 16, 2012, 11:42:23 am
It is not so much a matter of how many tender ports there are in the World, it is more a matter of how many would be suitable for such a contraption, and would the installation of such a facility be a viable commercial proposition.

Thanks for the offer of a list but I am sure that should I require such a document I can easily find it on the Internet.

As a rider, the average draft of the modern cruise liner is approximately 26 feet, some more.   Clear water would also be required underneath the keel and a suitable minimum depth would need to be available at all states of the tide.
Title: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port
Post by: Bri Roberts on August 16, 2012, 02:48:09 pm
I am well aware of that fact, Yorkie.

So all in all I think that on most occasions tendering from ships anchored half a mile off the North Shore will for the most part be quite feasible.
 

Don’t forget the tide.


I accept what you are now saying about tender ports but that isn't exactly what you said before is it?  ;)

Anyway, we do have one member on here that has already used one of the tender ports in Alaska and his/her experience was very positive.

Incidentally I have been tendered ashore from a cruise liner off the coast of Alaska so I don't think Llandudno will pose too much of a problem. 

Title: Re: How to make Llandudno an accessible Cruise Port
Post by: Yorkie on August 16, 2012, 03:48:53 pm
I am well aware of that fact, Yorkie.

I accept what you are now saying about tender ports but that isn't exactly what you said before is it?  ;)
Anyway, we do have one member on here that has already used one of the tender ports in Alaska and his/her experience was very positive.

Incidentally I have been tendered ashore from a cruise liner off the coast of Alaska so I don't think Llandudno will pose too much of a problem. 

It's not so much what one says - it is the way that one says it!   Thank goodness Judith has had a good experience in some of the deepest seas of the Northern Hemisphere.  I am also a regular Cruiser and an experienced boat owner, but I am still convinced that  for more than one reason Llandudno is unsuitable as a Cruise Liner port of call.  However, we can wait and see if anything develops.  My goodness the Town needs something.

I went through Colwyn Bay this afternoon and am amazed at all the dosh that seems to have been spent there - do CCBC think Llandudno is on a different Planet to CB?
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Yorkie on August 17, 2012, 07:40:08 pm
A short extract from Wikipedia on Llandudno Lifeboat and why it's there:

 "The Great Orme with its shallow waters, strong tides, rocky coastline and often strong winds, claimed many ships and lives. Because of the weather and tidal conditions, plus the depths of water, vicious waves can quickly build up around the Orme and Liverpool Bay."

I think that sums up the situation quite well.   ZXZ
Title: Re: Alice Day and Upcoming Alice Developments in Llandudno
Post by: DaveR on August 17, 2012, 09:34:49 pm
Ian Turner reports that the Alice Reading Chair in Happy Valley has been damaged by vandals.  :(
Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Varanus on October 24, 2012, 02:44:56 pm
Coastal Hawks have been given the go ahead to build the Raptors and Raiders Visitors centre on the site of the former Butterfly Jungle in Bodlondeb Conwy.  Well done to all those involved I reckon it will make a fantastic tourist attraction  $walesflag$

The birds are great, and I'm sure it will be a great attraction. But with the insistence that the hawks do frighten off nesting gulls (whatever the Councils say), why is this development being placed right next to a Local Nature Reserve and a Biodiversity Area? Won't they scare off nesting birds close by? Or do they only have an effect on birds that like chips and ice cream? Hope they don't affect the herons, curlews and so on that we see on the estuary which is also very close by.
Title: Re: Coastal Hawks Project
Post by: Yorkie on October 24, 2012, 04:37:37 pm

The birds are great, and I'm sure it will be a great attraction. But with the insistence that the hawks do frighten off nesting gulls (whatever the Councils say), why is this development being placed right next to a Local Nature Reserve and a Biodiversity Area? Won't they scare off nesting birds close by? Or do they only have an effect on birds that like chips and ice cream? Hope they don't affect the herons, curlews and so on that we see on the estuary which is also very close by.

Just another brilliantly stupid decision from a Council of incompetents!     >>>
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Fester on November 28, 2012, 11:56:51 pm
I've had a great day today.

Because I work 7 days a week from 1st March to 31st October, its great to have a lie in bed.
Today I got out of of bed at 10.30 am, this may seem late to some, but yesterday.... I didn't get out of bed... at all!
Can you tell that Mrs Fester is working away?

Now, after visiting several Llandudno hostelries with Dave R,  ZXZ ZXZ
I arrive home to find that I have an email from one Mbekwe Victor Sudoku, who informs me that I have won 5 million British Pounds in the lottery that he is the Chairman of!
I don't even recall buying a ticket for it, but hey ho.

I have immediately sent him the bank details he needs to process the transaction, and imagine Mrs Fester's smiling face when I tell her that it doesn't matter about the state of of the house... we are rich beyond our wildest dreams!

Happy Days!   <:<:<:<




Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Ian on November 29, 2012, 07:24:15 am
Congratulations, Fester!  You must be so proud!  I've had some experience with these things, myself, so I'd be happy to help you sort the details out.  We can do it via email, but with it being a foreign lottery you sometimes have to pay a registration fee, which I'll happily arrange for you, if you send me your bank details, witnessed and signed power of attorney so on.  Then all you'll have to do is sit back and wait for the cheque!  Couldn't be easier. Well done again!
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Nemesis on November 29, 2012, 08:44:26 am
 :o :o :o
 ;D ;D ;D
 _))* _))* _))*
So it will be drinks all round next week?
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Yorkie on November 29, 2012, 08:58:12 am
I've had a great day today.

I arrive home to find that I have an email from one Mbekwe Victor Sudoku, who informs me that I have won 5 million British Pounds in the lottery that he is the Chairman of!
... we are rich beyond our wildest dreams!


With a name like Sudoku, it seems like your numbers have come up at last!   Just make sure that you do not have any single number repeated in the same line or group.    ££$
Title: Re: Llandudno "A cesspit of depravity"
Post by: Fester on November 29, 2012, 10:16:46 am
Hmm, in the cold light of day.... Mr Sudoku just doesn't add up.  :laugh:
Title: Queens area in Rhyl
Post by: Michael on September 23, 2013, 09:10:20 pm
  Ive just been looking at "We love old Rhyl" a first class thread on Facebook, and someone, I didn't note the name but I can go back to it, states that he has read in the Three Towns Forum that the Queens area in Rhyl is to be regenerated.
  Is he writing about THIS three towns forum, and if so has anyone suggested this? I've certainly not read it, nor can I find anything looking back. In any case, what interest is there in anything like this in the three towns area?
   Rhyl has enough troubles thank you without someone like this sticking their nose in.
   Not saying that it might not be a good idea, but who the hell is he and why bring TTF into it.  Mike
Title: Re: Queens area in Rhyl
Post by: DaveR on September 23, 2013, 09:19:08 pm
I've mentioned on Flickr in the past that Denbigshire County Council want to demolish the entire Queens block and rebuild it as a modern shopping centre. It's mentioned in the regeneration documents on their website.

The only mention of the Queens Buildings is here:
http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,504.msg27276.html#msg27276 (http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,504.msg27276.html#msg27276)
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: romanjohn on September 24, 2013, 11:56:09 pm
Hi ormegolf it was me that wrote it. I was looking at the We love old Rhyl after getting back from the hospice visting my mum here in Portsmouth what intriged  me   was   was canals under the ballroom i thought what a wonderful place to go and see and then lottery grants ect. Then i rememberd seeing some pictures that dave had taken here on    TTF. My wifes family live in Rhyl they love the place they get sick and tired of all the bad press the town gets  All the best romanjohn                                                                                                                                                                     
Title: Bog snorkelling and wife-carrying
Post by: Rosy on November 25, 2013, 09:40:18 am
Bog snorkelling and wife-carrying!  :o ... fantastic!

Who would have thought? and a World Chapionship. Is this a big deal in the area?

Good on the Tourism Awards in Llandudno honouring the creator! $walesflag$ (I'm working on my husband to enter us for next year already ...!) D)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-25045217 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-25045217)
Title: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: Kerris123 on April 10, 2014, 04:52:38 pm
I am a university student and for my dissertation i have decided to research whether or not there is a market for dark tourism within Conwy and if there is a potential for dark tourism to be included within the towns current tourism portfolio. This questionnaire will help towards categorising the type of dark tourists there are within the county, in order to determine what type of attraction could possibly be built, and also help towards the type of interpretation that would be needed. i would be very grateful if everyone can take a few minutes to fill it in for me, it would really help and I will really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance :)

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KNVWZHN (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KNVWZHN)

Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 10, 2014, 05:43:56 pm
So, what is dark tourism?
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: Kerris123 on April 10, 2014, 05:59:41 pm
dark tourism is the visitation to sites that are established that have an association with death and disaster, some sites however, are accidentally linked to dark tourism, these being 'fun factories' which hold an entertainment factor, such as the London dungeons etc. sites that are purely dark tourism based are sites which are established to show death or disasters, like the concentration camps. although there is the argument of when dark tourism crosses into heritage, there is no evidence to suggest a timeline of how far back in history dark tourism becomes heritage, as many people visit such sites as they have heritage ties or interests.
has that cleared it up a bit for you?
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: wrex on April 10, 2014, 07:04:59 pm
im thick ,can you explain dark tourism please.
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: FatAndy on April 10, 2014, 07:30:49 pm
Dark tourism basically means morbid attractions like the London Dungeon.  I suppose possibly Plas Mawr would come under this category given it's back story and it's numerous reputed ghosts.  And the wooden Alice in Wonderland statues in Llandudno are pretty scary as well, especially the Alice outside the Nevill  :o.
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 10, 2014, 07:38:14 pm
I asked this question in a separate thread, I thought it might be visitors to see the lack of Xmas lights!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 10, 2014, 07:39:59 pm
Yes, perhaps Rhyl might have more in that department!  :twoface:
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: Pendragon on April 10, 2014, 07:48:12 pm
Conwy already has a ghost tour of the town and Plas Mawr......apparently it's very popular, similar to the one you get in York  $good$
Title: Re: Dark tourism in Conwy?
Post by: wrex on April 11, 2014, 06:44:08 am
omg let me get the extravaganza out of the way b4 i start on xmas lights.lol
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Merddin Emrys on April 11, 2014, 08:05:53 am
 :laugh:
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Kerris123 on April 11, 2014, 10:54:40 am
I agree, those attractions are popular, and conwy does attract many people every year. However it does not have many attractions that are inside, and of course, with the great british weather thats what some tourists need. I was thinking along the lines of a new attraction that was for all the family, which can be tailored by age so that everyone can enjoy. A bit like the london dungeons, that is if my research comes back and backs up my theory of the type of tourists that visit :)
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: born2run on April 11, 2014, 02:40:24 pm
Rhyl used to have dungeons and the eyesore on the pier was one for a time.

When I was a kid I thought they were both BRILLIANT  $good$
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Kerris123 on April 12, 2014, 09:17:33 am
If you havent already, please could you just take 5 minutes, not even that! To fill out my survey, theres only 8 questions in which are multiple choice, i reslly need as many respones as i can get. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Fester on April 12, 2014, 11:48:06 pm
If you havent already, please could you just take 5 minutes, not even that! To fill out my survey, theres only 8 questions in which are multiple choice, i reslly need as many respones as i can get. Thanks :)

Done it Kerris,
But I can't help wondering what kind of twisted individual would admit to being a 'black' tourist in question 2,  given the criteria you have outlined.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Kerris123 on April 13, 2014, 05:42:15 pm
I know it doesnt seem normal, but there are people out there that do visit places to see death. It may be public hangings or even watching people die due to the death penatly in texas. The motivations behind each type of tourist are still unknown as there are many different reasons in why people want to see these things. For example, people may reseacrh stories of serial killers, have an interest or a strong emotional connection to the story, and may travel to seek justice by watching the people pay for their crimes. It really is unknown, you can only use theories to assume the reasons why people travel.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Blongb on April 13, 2014, 10:03:17 pm
Some of us even go and visit War Memorials and War Graves all over the world, but only to pay our respects. You have to read the War Memorial at Kohima to understand why. It simply reads

When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
 For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Nemesis on April 14, 2014, 08:50:29 am
I felt that I had learned more of the history of WW2 by visiting the areas of Northern France which were involved than I ever learned at school. Some of the places send cold shivers down your spine, before you even begin to read the information offered on site. The Pont du Hoc was a place that I shall never forget.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: born2run on April 14, 2014, 10:53:21 am
If you havent already, please could you just take 5 minutes, not even that! To fill out my survey, theres only 8 questions in which are multiple choice, i reslly need as many respones as i can get. Thanks :)

Done it Kerris,
But I can't help wondering what kind of twisted individual would admit to being a 'black' tourist in question 2,  given the criteria you have outlined.

I can understand it - I turn up every Tuesday and watch our darts team get slaughtered  :laugh:
Title: Llandudno Coastal Forum
Post by: Mr Tunnock on January 26, 2015, 10:57:19 am
It seems that there is a split between the group Ian Turner formed with others and the Llandudno Coastal Forum, Turner has thrown his dummy out of the pram and is now very unhappy that the Save our beach is now part of the Forum and has lost it's voice.
Either way there appears discord which is a shame as that is the last thing the forum needs.
The whole town needs to pull together on this and not suffer any distractions over issues other than the beach.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Fester on January 27, 2015, 09:22:21 am
There's a beach?


Anyhow, on that note, I have been informed that one of the Pier shops which existed to sell Beach goods has closed down.
The simple reason given is that it was simply not viable, as there is not enough Beach in Llandudno, and the majority of families are attracted to the beach at Colwyn Bay.   It's very sad.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Mr Tunnock on January 27, 2015, 09:58:51 am
In a word, sad.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: wrex on January 27, 2015, 05:00:22 pm
Its what CCBC want,for some bizarr reason they don;t give a stuff about Llandudno.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: SteveH on June 16, 2015, 06:14:41 pm
CRUISE SHIPS.....

Last August we had a discussion about the viability of american cruise ships coming to Llandudno, and the fact that Holyhead had 16 plus liners due to dock in 2015 and the increase in North Wales tourism this would bring.
The latest news does not bode well....... :(

Giant cruise ship cancels Holyhead visit over jetty concerns

A giant cruise ship due to arrive in Holyhead tomorrow with 2,500 passengers will now not dock over concerns about its size and the predicted weather conditions.
The Celebrity Silhouette was the largest vessel due at the Anglesey port this summer - one of more than 20 cruise ships coming to the island.
But now the trip has been cancelled due to concerns its 317metre length, combined with predictions for wet and windy weather, was a potential safety risk for the port jetty.
This will renew calls for investment in a specialised cruise ship dock at Holyhead which had previously been looked at by the Welsh Government, which asked consultants to draw up proposals.
A port spokesman added: “A specialised jetty is under discussion and maybe this will focus minds on this.
“This existing jetty has restrictions.”
Anglesey Walking tweeted: “Disappointed that the cruise ship’s visit to Holyhead on Wednesday is cancelled. 2,800 passengers on board.
“What a blow to local businesses."

A Celebrity Cruises spokeswoman said: "Celebrity Silhouette was scheduled to call to Holyhead, Wales, on Wednesday 17 June.
"Two days before, the Captain was advised by the Harbour Master that Celebrity Silhouette would be unable to call to Holyhead.  We were very disappointed to receive this late information from the port, and tried to have them reverse this decision, to no avail.
"Regrettably, it was necessary to cancel Celebrity Silhouette's port call to Holyhead.
"Celebrity Silhouette will now spend Wednesday at sea, and arrive to Paris (Le Havre), France, on Thursday 18 June, at 8am and stay overnight till 9pm Friday 19 June.   
"We apologise for this modification to our guests’ itinerary, and thank them for their understanding and cooperation. We hope our guests enjoy the additional time to explore Paris and Normandy."

The same ship is also due to return to the port in August and the port said this visit was still due to go ahead.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/giant-cruise-ship-cancels-holyhead-9465813 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/giant-cruise-ship-cancels-holyhead-9465813)
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: SteveH on July 01, 2015, 05:15:28 pm
AM calls for giant cruise ship dock to be developed at Holyhead port

There are calls for the Welsh Government to help develop a purpose built cruise ship dock on Anglesey amid concerns that the region could be missing out on valuable tourism cash.

It comes weeks after a vessel carrying 2,500 passengers failed to dock at the former Anglesey Aluminium jetty because it isn’t suitable for use in high winds.
The “Celebrity Silhouette” was the largest vessel due at the Anglesey port this summer - one of more than 20 cruise ships coming to the island.

Anglesey AM Rhun ap Iorwerth expressed his disappointment that the island, and North Wales as a whole, missed out on thousands of pounds which would have been pumped into the local economy and has now called on the Welsh Government to intervene.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holyhead-cruise-ship-dock-anglesey-9566074 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holyhead-cruise-ship-dock-anglesey-9566074)
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: SteveH on July 02, 2015, 07:06:01 pm
Surf Snowdonia launches booking for surfing lagoon

Surfers can now book a place at the revolutionary surfing lagoon in the Conwy Valley - with prices to ride a wave starting at £19 an hour.
Surf Snowdonia opens on August 1 in Dolgarrog and will boost the local tourism economy,

The £12m facility will generate the longest man-made surfable waves on the planet and is expecting in excess of 75,000 visitors per year.
Prices to ride a wave range from £19 to £40 for one hour of ‘free surfing’ in a beginner bay, while it will cost £80 for two hours of expert tuition on an advanced two metre wave.
More......http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-launches-booking-surfing-9576695 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-launches-booking-surfing-9576695)
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: DaveR on July 03, 2015, 08:40:19 am
Surf Snowdonia launches booking for surfing lagoon

Surfers can now book a place at the revolutionary surfing lagoon in the Conwy Valley - with prices to ride a wave starting at £19 an hour.
Surf Snowdonia opens on August 1 in Dolgarrog and will boost the local tourism economy,

The £12m facility will generate the longest man-made surfable waves on the planet and is expecting in excess of 75,000 visitors per year.
Prices to ride a wave range from £19 to £40 for one hour of ‘free surfing’ in a beginner bay, while it will cost £80 for two hours of expert tuition on an advanced two metre wave.
More......http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-launches-booking-surfing-9576695 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-launches-booking-surfing-9576695)
Should be a good attraction for the area. Amazing to think it was the Dolgarrog Aluminium factory only a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: Ian on July 03, 2015, 08:56:34 am
What's interesting is that the newer attractions springing up have required significant investment and are not that cheap to use, yet the research must reveal that there's a solid, year-round market in the area for them, which in itself supports the findings of the various studies that have been carried out. People will and can pay for things they want to do or see, and which offer them experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: andyCYD on July 03, 2015, 09:39:05 am
I visited New Zealand about 20 years ago.  One of the attractions then was the "experiences" available.  The result was coach loads of young (mostly) adults taking a tour where nearly every day there was an activity (e.g. bungy jump, white water rafting, tandem parachute etc.).

I have thought for a long time that North Wales could offer the same, and Llandudno would be a good base.  It would be very easy to set up a week of adventure:
Day 1: Bala - White water rafting
Day 2: Blaenau - Zip wire and bounce below
Day 3: Coed y Brenin - Mountain biking
Day 4: Dolgarog - Surf park
Day 5: Caernarfon - Climbing centre
Day 6: Llanberis - Snowdown Train
Day 7: Rhosneigr - Standup paddle boarding

 
Title: Re: Tourist news: developments, initiatives and strategies
Post by: TheMedz on July 08, 2015, 07:38:13 pm
We went to see the new exhibitions at Caernarfon  Castle today and I must admit to being really  impressed by the Game of Crowns (life size chess pieces) and Eleanor of Castille exhibitions. Well worth a visit.