Despite objections and evidence presented, the decision to impose charges from the Arches to Rotary Way will now go ahead.

The councillors expressed their disappointment at the decision and have vowed to monitor the situation, and make representations if parking spreads to nearby residential areas.

In a message to residents on social media, Cllr Cheryl Carsisle said:  "We have now unfortunately exhausted all avenues of protest, so the charges will go ahead.

"We have however managed to secure 3 additional parking spaces for Blue Badge holders opposite the Fishing/Viewing platform which will help those residents with disabilities.

"We are very sorry that this decision has been made on what seem to be purely financial reasons, especially when the area from, and including, Porth Eirias to Rotary Way has had broken parking meters for some two years.

"We thank each and every one of you for taking the time to contact us about this, and for sending your objections to Conwy Council over the last year."

Under the plans, announced by Conwy County Borough Council in July, around 100 school pupils living in Llysfaen face having to make alternative arrangements to get to school.
 
Present at the meeting, held in Llysfaen Village Hall, were parents and pupils, along with other members of the local community. Also in attendance were Cllr Phil Capper, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Bryn Elian, and Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council.
 
At the meeting, parents expressed concerns about the safety of the alternative travel routes proposed by the Council: while it has deemed these safe, they include country lanes with no pavement, as well as poor street lighting.
 
These routes will take more than an hour for children to walk, while further hazards are presented by Llysfaen’s elevation, which often leaves it subject to poor weather.
 
Mr. Millar said parents’ concerns were backed up by a local health and safety expert, who also expressed concerns at the local authority’s assessment of the travel routes.
 
Meanwhile, Arriva, which runs local bus services, has indicated that it does not have the capacity to take those affected to and from school.
 
Speaking after the meeting, Darren Millar said: “I was very glad to see such strong attendance from people across the Llysfaen community at Thursday’s meeting, and to see residents united in opposition to this flawed decision by the Council.
 
“It’s simply not reasonable to make parents decide whether to give up time or money to provide alternative transport, or tell their children to spend over an hour walking to school on hazardous routes.
 
“Following this meeting, I trust that the council will now better appreciate that local concerns are both deep and widespread.”
 
He also added: “The Welsh Government is currently reviewing Wales-wide home to school transport guidance, and so I have called for the Council’s decision to be postponed until after an independent review of the routes, and the publication of new guidance.”
 
Mr. Millar had previously spoken out against the withdrawal plans when they were first announced by the local authority.

Alan Drew, of Old Colwyn appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court for sentence on Thursday after being convicted of 11 offences by a jury.

They included sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, voyeurism and making indecent images of a child.

The 50-year-old committed the offences against two young girls over a period of time between January 2019 and June 2021.

An investigation was launched in June 2021 after one of the victims told a friend she had been sexually assaulted by Drew, which was reported to the police.

Drew had sent a Snapchat message to the victim apologising for what had happened and said it would only happen again if she wanted it to.

He was later arrested, but released under investigation, until he was eventually charged in June 2023.

Drew was also given a restraining order covering the victims and handed a sexual harm prevention order.

He must also register with the police as a sex offender for life.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Delyth Jones said: “I want to praise both victims for the courage they have shown throughout this investigation.

“Drew has shown no regard for any of them by refusing to admit his crimes. Instead, he forced them to relive their experiences in court, which was incredibly difficult for both of them.

“As a result of their bravery and the evidence gathered, especially the dedicated work of the allocated digital forensic officer who analysed Drew’s devices, the jury was able to see through his lies.

“I hope this sentence will allow the girls to move forward with their lives, knowing Drew will not be able to harm any other children.”

Between 5pm on Monday 21st August and 8:30am on Tuesday 22nd August, the following items were taken:

3 nail guns - 1 Paslode and 2 DeWalt.
2 cutting saws - Both Husqvarna.
2 impact drivers - 1 DeWalt and 1 Makita.
Approximately 6 batteries.
2 chargers - Both Makita.
Large Makita breaker.
Leica laser level.
Cordless Makita mototool.
4 inch Makita grinder.
Makita cordless circular saw.
10 inch Shun chef knife with a black/ebony wood handle with a golden symbol on the handle.
10 inch Global chef knife with dimples on the handle.

If you have any information that can assist in the police investigation, please call 101 quoting ref A134408. Anonomous tip offs can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It comes following a number of recent reports and complaints about off road bikes being used in an anti-social manner in the local area.

PC Carl Barlow said: "Off-road bikes can pose a very real threat of danger to any member of the public in the vicinity and indeed the riders themselves.

"We understand the frustration that they cause within our communities, and we will continue our efforts to crack down on this anti-social behaviour."

To report any anti-social behaviour in the North Wales area please contact 101 or visit the North Wales Police website.

18-year-old Matthew Kennedy who studies at Coleg Llandrillo – along with his teammates – were presented with their caps by representatives from Cricket Wales after coming runners-up in a county championship competition.

The Cricket Wales MACS is North Wales’s first mixed ability side, and is made up of players from both Colwyn Bay Cricket Club and Gwersyllt Cricket Club.

The team recently represented Wales in the newly-formed Super 9's County Championship against a range of strong opponents including Lancashire and Cheshire.

The North Wales team upset the odds by reaching the final before narrowly missing out to the Yorkshire county side in the regional final (North). The former team’s impressive achievement surprised both Cricket Wales and the English Cricket Boards, especially as they were competing against much bigger and more established teams, which included cricketers from the England disability squads.

Matt is currently studying on the college’s Diploma in Professional Cookery & Food and Beverage Service course. Before this, he was enrolled on courses within the college’s Independent Living Skills department for two years. The department runs a number of courses for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, severe learning disabilities and social and emotional behavioural difficulties, which are tailor-made to meet individual student’s needs.

His proud mum Debbie is a member of staff at the college, working as an administrative assistant within the GCSEs and Essential Skills department. She said: “It was a huge achievement to reach the final, especially as this was the first season that the team had played together. We are so proud of Matthew, who was also the team’s joint captain.”

This wasn’t the only reason to celebrate in the Kennedy household, as two of Matt’s sisters - Hannah and Amy, who are also students at Coleg Llandrillo – have also excelled at cricket. They are both members of the Colwyn Bay Cricket Club women's section, the team that this year won the inaugural Welsh Hundred Ball Plate tournament at the Vale of Glamorgan Cricket club, beating south Wales.

The Colwyn Bay team is also currently in joint first place along with Bethesda Cricket Club women's team in the North Wales Women's Cricket League.

So far, the Council has secured around 50% of the funded needed, and is continuing to look for further funding for the section west of Rotary Way.

GP surgeries throughout the country have been under immense pressure since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and Mr. Millar was keen to pass on his gratitude to doctors and staff who have been working so hard for patients in Clwyd West.    

He visited Cadwgan Surgery in Old Colwyn on Friday to personally praise doctors and the staff team.

During his visit he met with Dr Dylan Parry and Dr Emma Ratchford to chat about their work and discuss the ongoing challenges they still face. 

He said: “The team at Cadwgan Surgery have done a phenomenal job over the past two years in continuing to provide excellent services and helping to roll out Wales' world beating vaccine programme, including booster jab clinics in recent weeks. 

“They really have had their work cut out and almost two years on are still faced with ongoing challenges.  They and all other GP surgeries in North Wales deserves huge praise for all they have done and continue to do to help in the fight against Covid-19.

“I thank Dr Parry and Dr Ratchford, and all other staff at the surgery, for the warm welcome I received and wish them well in their work going forward.”

Yesterday officers were confirmed that they were called to the area of Peulwys Lane in relation to quad bikes and scrabblers bike riding in the farmers fields without permission. 

"Not only is this a nuisance to the nearby residents but is also concerning for the live stock at the location.

"Over the past couple of days there has been a number of calls in relation to farm animals escaping fields and this could be of a result of person causing damage to hedgerows in order to ride on the land or due to the animals becoming scared of the noise and fleeing from the area."

If you have any issues with vehicles being used in the manner please report to the North Wales Police control room via 101 non emergency line.

According to reports it would appear that youths have made to the location through Penrhos Avenue into the rear gardens off Abergele Road. 

Whilst at the location youths have used garden sheers to cut through a wire fence and have then made their way through the garden and caused further damage to a TV aerial on a flat roof at the location. 

These incidents were reported to have taken place around midday on Saturday 8th of January. 

If you have any information or may have witnessed these incident please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via web chat quoting reference B00338.

Margaret, through lobbying and fundraising, achieved this within a decade and the impressive couple’s legacy continues to this day thanks to a generation of volunteers who were inspired by Margaret’s work.

Margaret Smith established the Ron Smith Cancer Appeal in 1991, thirty years ago to honour her husband’s wishes.

By galvanising government officials, healthcare professionals and local communities, Margaret and the voluntary team around her sought approval for a Cancer Centre in Bodelwyddan and raised over £3million to help fund the project. Margaret’s husband’s vision of a North Wales Cancer Centre was made a reality in 2000.

Thirty years on, the Ron Smith Cancer Appeal, which was renamed the North Wales Cancer Appeal, is still going strong, raising money for additional equipment and enhanced services at the centre, and advocating for improved care and treatment for people diagnosed with cancer in North Wales.

Diana Owen, 69, of Colwyn Bay, became a member of the Ron Smith Cancer Appeal thirty years ago after Margaret drove her for her cancer treatment at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and she remains on the North Wales Cancer Appeal Committee. She says:

“Margaret was a whirlwind. She was determined to make sure others didn’t need to travel an hour and a half for treatment as her late husband Ron and I did. The journey was upsetting, and I am just so grateful to Margaret and all who got behind her quest to establish a Cancer Centre in North Wales.

“Ron and Margaret would be proud to know that some of us who supported the Appeal in the beginning are still involved, and are still helping to make improvements to the care and treatment that others who have a cancer diagnosis receive.

"Margaret died in 2006 at the age of 82, but myself and Doris Roberts BEM, who is in her late 80s remain actively involved in the Appeal.”

Retired Diabetes and Renal Specialist Nurse, Carol Pritchard Jones from Denbigh is now Chair of the North Wales Cancer Appeal. She believes the spirt of Ron and Margaret Smith will always be felt:

“Everyone who gets involved in the North Wales Cancer Appeal shares the same values and vision as Ron and Margaret, thirty years after she set up the charity.

There is a tenacity, dynamism behind the many new committee members, and a desire to help make real change within all who choose to volunteer, fundraise and become actively involved in the Appeal.

“Margaret worked really hard to get the Appeal gold bond London Marathon places, which were and continue to be like gold dust. I got involved in the Appeal after running the London Marathon for the charity, and I’m pleased to say people will be able to register for our 2022 places from January.

“It’s incredible to see what an impact the donations we receive have, and how much families get out of being involved in the Appeal. I think Margaret and Ron would be amazed to see what their conversation and her promise to him continues to achieve, all these years later.”

For more information about the North Wales Cancer Appeal, and to make a donation, please go to: www.northwalescancerappeal.co.uk.

Phil was admitted to Ysbyty Gwynedd a number of days ago and was treated for what was thought to be Covid-19. Sadly in the early hours of Boxing Day, he took a turn for the worse and was unable to recover.

As well as being an enthusiastic champion of local music and performing in local band The Informers during the 70s, Phil was an award winning journalist and ran the newsdesk as editor of the North Wales Pioneer in Colwyn Bay.

Phil was also instrumental in setting up the annual Uke-A-Bay ukuele festival in the Bay and the Sing Along Sunday evenings in the White Lion, Llanellian.

In his spare time, Phil took his turn at match commentary cheering on the Seagulls at the Four Crosses Arena a short distance from his home in Old Colwyn.

Heartfelt tributes have been paid today from many North Wales musicians and volunteers at Bayside including close friend Jeff Pearson.

Jeff said; "Phil was a wonderful presenter and a very good friend. The news won't sink in that he is not with us anymore. It's like a bad dream we are going to wake up from."

Canadian bluesman Manitoba Hal Brolund, a regular visitor to the town's Uke-A-Bay Festival summed up the thoughts of many people who both admired and knew Phil. "Wales won't be the same without you," said Hal.

Phil is survived by his wife Sue, two grown up daughters and a son.

Read More: Tributes to musician and journalist who entertained North Wales for more than half a century - North Wales Live

"We want to provide as many additional benefits as we can to improve the promenade and beach access for residents and visitors. It's important to be clear that we still need funding to complete this work, but having a fully designed scheme with planning permission will put us in a good position to secure funding.”
 
Residents can find out more about the proposals and view the plans at www.conwy.gov.uk/coastaldefence and at Porth Eirias on the seafront.

Feedback should be sent by Tuesday 30 November.

Gwyn Davies, who is a Year 11 pupil at Rydal Penrhos is an immensely talented musician specialising in the Cello.

He put this special gift on full display at a Civic Service that took place at the Old Colwyn Methodist Church on Wynn Avenue.

The service was organised by the Bay of Colwyn Town Council and Gwyn got the opportunity to perform in front of community members and prominent figures such as Cllr Merrill Jones, Mayor of Colwyn Bay, Clwyd West Member of Parliament David Jones and Councillor Jeff Pearson.

The service was conducted by Deacon Linda Brown and Pete Williams, the school’s Director of Music and Bayside Radio presenter.

Gwyn played a cello piece entitled ‘Elegy ‘ by Gabriel Faure, which was extremely well received from those in attendance. The Mayor was so impressed by his performance, she is planning to send a letter of thanks as a special memento for the pupil to keep.

Mrs Roz Dudley, who is Assistant Clerk at the Bay of Colwyn Town Council, wrote to Mr Williams:

“On behalf of the Mayor and Town Council, thank you so much for playing the organ in Church yesterday and also for accompanying Gwyn.

“We have had so many comments about the Cello piece; how beautifully played the piece was so please pass on our grateful thanks to Gwyn. He certainly is a talented musician.”

The incident which happened at a family home on Llanellian Road was helped by keeping windows open.

David Williams from North Wales Police said: "Just a gentle reminder about leaving unattended doors and windows open during this warm spell.  

"Unfortunately there was a burglary yesterday in the Llanelian Road area and whilst the family were in the back garden, someone sneaked in through an open front window."

Anyone who has information relating to the burglary should call 101 or Crimestopper anonomously on 0800 555 111.