UPDATE: Major action is urgently required at Sandy Cove Estate in Kinmel Bay as residents confront a staggering £5.5 million bill for necessary road improvements. This long-standing infrastructure crisis, rooted in the estate’s troubled history since the 1930s, continues to impact the lives of over 250 homeowners who endure unsafe and unmaintained roads.
Authorities confirm that the Welsh Government has funded initial design work for a solution, but the estimated cost to upgrade the estate’s roads remains a significant burden for local taxpayers. Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has been vocal in the Senedd, urging immediate government intervention to address the deteriorating conditions that residents face daily.
In a recent statement, Millar highlighted the dire situation, stating, “The roads are full of potholes, and flooding occurs every time there’s heavy rain or high tides. This situation is intolerable, especially considering the lack of proper lighting, which poses serious safety risks.” Residents have expressed frustration over the unresolved issues stemming from the estate’s original development, which was heavily criticized in 1944 by Denbigh MP Sir Henry Morris-Jones, who raised alarms about inadequate sanitation and road infrastructure.
The estate’s significance to the local community cannot be overstated, yet it has become synonymous with hardship due to its unadopted roads. As a result, residents are left to cope with giant potholes that turn into ponds, creating dangerous conditions for both pedestrians and vehicles.
In response to the ongoing saga, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the responsibility lies with the local authority. “While we provided funding for the design work, further external funding is necessary for actual upgrades,” Skates stated.
Conwy County Borough Council confirmed that the roads at Sandy Cove are unadopted and thus not maintained at public expense. Council representatives noted, “We developed designs for improvements with Welsh Government funding, but additional funding is required to carry out any upgrading work.”
Millar’s calls for action have garnered attention, with many residents, including those with disabilities, eagerly awaiting a resolution. “Upgrading the roads on Sandy Cove would make the estate safer, cleaner, and more attractive,” Millar added, underlining the emotional toll this situation has taken on families living there.
As the situation develops, local authorities and the Welsh Government must collaborate effectively to secure the funding needed to resolve this pressing issue. With the health and safety of residents at stake, the urgency for action has never been greater.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation as we monitor the progress of discussions among stakeholders.
