Latest news with #AngleseyCouncil
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Glory days back at sandy Anglesey beach invaded by unwelcome visitors
A much-loved beach on Anglesey has been returned to its glory days after becoming overrun by a 'dreadful' invasive weed. The small patch of weed-infested sand by Beaumaris Pier was considered unsightly in an attractive seaside town popular with visitors. For years, attempts by locals to hand-pull the knee-high weed had been a losing battle, leaving the shoreline dubbed the 'Little Beach of Horrors'. Though small, it was seen as the town's only family-friendy beach and its demise was labelled an 'absolute disgrace'. Beaumaris residents identified the weed as either a salt-tolerant halophyte or a sand-loving psammophyte. Like bindweed, both are highly invasive, capable of surviving long periods without water. READ MORE: 'Vampire fish' that predate dinosaurs thrive on North Wales river after weir removed READ MORE: Drivers caught out by new prom charges as last oasis of free parking on seafront to disappear Once established, they are difficult to eradicate as the plants will re-emerge if the smallest piece is left in the ground. The local theory is that fragments washed up at high tide. Located opposite The Bulkeley Hotel, the Little Beach was once regularly replenished with sand to cater both for residents and tourists. Last year, after lobbying by local people, Anglesey Council sent in mechanical diggers to clear the beach for the summer holidays. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community However, the weeds soon returned and by this summer they were as bad as ever. Cllr Gary Pritchard, who represents the Seiriol ward at Anglesey Council, was asked to intervene by a constituent. 'The beach is popular in the town but in recent years it had become unsightly and was looking more like a village green,' said Cllr Pritchard. 'I approached Anglesey Council and the local authority arranged for it to be cleared again in time for the school holidays. 'Hopefully, a maintenance plan can now be put in place to ensure we don't find ourselves in the same position next year.' An estimated five tonnes of weed were dug out from the beach. Residents are still pushing for a long-term solution to prevent annual re-emergence and to stop it spreading along the town's entire foreshore. Not everyone wanted the weed-covered beach cleared, prefering its contribution to local biodiversity. But many are delighted to see it looking something like its halcyon period in the mid to late 20th century. 'Looks absolutely beautiful,' sighed one woman online. 'I do miss the place.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Another is looking forward to seeing buckets and spades back on the beach. A third added wistfully: 'It looks like it did when we were growing up.' See what's on in your area
North Wales Chronicle
01-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
More than 1,000 illegal vapes seized from shops in Holyhead
The vapes seized during 'Operation Jackal' had an estimated retail value of £6,500. Of those seized, 404 vapes were voluntarily surrendered by the businesses. Following further investigation, 42 vapes were returned as they complied with current regulations. All non-compliant vapes were subsequently destroyed. The operation coincided with the Welsh Government ban of single use vapes on June 1. Under the new law, it is now illegal for businesses in Wales to sell or supply any single-use or disposable vapes. All vaping devices must now be both rechargeable and refillable to be legally sold or distributed. Beyond environmental harm, single use vapes pose significant health risks, particularly to children and young people. These devices often contain high levels of nicotine and appealing flavours, making them attractive to underage users. MORE: Work gets underway to revitalise Holyhead's main street Anglesey Council's planning, public protection and climate change portfolio holder, Councillor Nicola Roberts, said, 'Our Trading Standards Team continue to work tirelessly with North Wales Police, and other partner agencies, to help take illegal and harmful products off our streets. 'Protecting people from potentially harmful products is of utmost importance as we seek to safeguard the well-being of the public.' North Wales Police Anglesey district support sergeant, Chris Burrow, added: 'We will continue to work closely with Trading Standards and other partners to protect the health and wellbeing of the community, and especially young people. 'Multi-agency operations such as this show the value of partnership working and sharing resources to investigate and combat serious and organised crime. 'The supply of illegal tobacco products through organised criminal networks is often linked to other criminal activity, which is why it's important we continue to disrupt against the illegal tobacco product business. 'I would encourage community members who have concerns about suspected illegal activity in their local town centres to contact police or trading standards, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.' Anglesey Council and North Wales Police said they will continue to carry out enforcement activity to support businesses in understanding their responsibilities and to prevent the sale of illegal or harmful products.
Business News Wales
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Major Fitness Room Upgrade at Holyhead Leisure Centre Set to Begin
Work on a £140,000 upgrade to the fitness room at Holyhead Leisure Centre is set to begin. This development, led by Môn Actif, Anglesey Council's leisure service, is made possible thanks to significant savings from newly renegotiated energy contracts. These savings are being reinvested into enhancing local facilities. The fitness room will be upgraded with the latest TechnoGym equipment including modern cardio machines such as treadmills, rowers, cross-trainers, stair masters and bikes, new pin-loaded strength machines and three cable crossover stations. All strength machines will be IFI Accredited, ensuring full accessibility and inclusion for users with disabilities. A new floor will be installed in the cardio area room, and painting will also be part of the project. Anglesey's Leisure, Tourism and Maritime Portfolio Holder, Councillor Neville Evans, said: 'We're delighted to see this investment in Holyhead Leisure Centre, which will provide residents with access to state-of-the-art, inclusive fitness equipment. 'Regular physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing, and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of these improved facilities once they reopen. This investment highlights our commitment to supporting healthier, more active communities on Anglesey.' Owain Jones, Commercial Leisure Manager for Anglesey County Council, added: 'This £140,000 investment is a direct result of savings made through renegotiating energy contracts. 'It reflects our commitment under the Council Plan 2023–28 to invest in leisure infrastructure that increases enjoyment, participation, and community health. We look forward to welcoming our members back to a modernised and more inclusive fitness room very soon.' While the fitness room will be closed to the public from Tuesday, 1 July, it is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, 15 July, with the reopening time to be confirmed via Môn Actif's social media channels. All other facilities at Holyhead Leisure Centre will remain open as usual throughout the refurbishment. To support members during this period, Gym and Swim Direct Debit members will have free access to fitness classes at Holyhead Leisure Centre (bookings via reception). Members are also reminded that they can use fitness rooms at Amlwch, Plas Arthur and David Hughes Leisure Centres during the closure.
North Wales Chronicle
06-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey: Bid for 'ancillary annexe' in Moelfre approved
Anglesey Council's planning committee approved plans for an ancillary annexe to The Old Crown building in Moelfre during a meeting on Wednesday, June 4. The application, lodged by Kiran Purewal, was brought to the committee at the request of the local member Cllr Margaret Murley Roberts. It was felt the development would have a 'negative visual impact' on the picturesque area. Plan for the existing dwelling was a two-storey terraced property within the development boundary of Moelfre in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Planning officer Rhys Jones said the proposal consisted of erecting an ancillary annexe to its rear. MORE NEWS: Incredible photos as imposing 55-metre-long ship with six decks docks in Caernarfon Anglesey man had sex with woman in public toilet and threatened to kill her partner Drink-driving Gwynedd trainee GP allowed back to work after suspension It was situated in an elevated position at the top of the site adjacent to Lon Ty Powdr overlooking the Moelfre coast. Planners considered it met policy, as it was a smaller, improved proposal to that of a previous, larger application which had permission on the site, and they recommended it be approved. A report said the application had resulted in 32 letters being received. The objections 'were all similar in relation to what concerned the local people of Moelfre,' it had noted. They included the 'negative visual impact on the landscape, traffic and parking, drainage, second homes/holiday let uncertainty, and structurally a weak foundation base'. They had 'emphasised' how erecting a new building would 'significantly impact the overall panorama and aesthetics of the landscape' and 'destroy the character and quality of the village scene presenting an overbearing and visually intrusive element'. Objectors added: 'The design would be unsympathetic and harmful to the appearance and character of the village.' They also felt the design and scale of the annexe would be 'out of keeping' with the main dwelling and surrounding properties. Concerns that the annexe 'should not be sold separately to the main dwelling' and that 'second homes and holiday lets are a big issue in Moelfre,' had also been noted. Cllr Euryn Morris read out Cllr Murley-Roberts' comments, on behalf of the community council. He also spoke for himself, and Cllr Ieuan Williams. Among comments raised, it was felt the annexe would 'change the image of the village'. He said the Old Crown Building was 'an iconic building' which featured on postcards and pictures and they were 'ignoring the importance of historical buildings' which 'could have a detrimental effect on the area'. The impact on neighbours was also highlighted, and the effect of a concrete lorry accessing the property, via a 'horse and cart' road. There was also a query over the need for an annexe. 'The last thing Moelfre needs is more holiday lets,' he said. The planning officer said permission existed already for an annexe and the principal of development had been 'safeguarded'. It was smaller than what was already permitted, and the plan was considered an 'improvement,' of modern build, with 'smart windows'. He agreed it was 'a picturesque area' and important to protect, but reiterated planning permission already existed. Lon Pwdwr was narrow, but no issues were raised by highways, and until the council adopted Article 4, its potential future use as holiday accommodation was not material to the application. An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool which can remove or restrict permitted development rights on houses. It has recently been adopted by Cyngor Gwynedd, to control the use of houses as second homes and holiday lets. Councillor Robin Williams noted that Cllr Murley-Roberts had called the matter in after community council concerns, but queried why there was no response received. He urged all community councils to raise issues if they had them. Describing the plan as 'the lesser of two evils' he added: 'I can't see any reason to refuse this, due to the existing planning permission from 2013.' He added that he 'respected' comments raised. 'Without the fall back situation of the permission, it would be different,' he added. Following a vote, the application was passed.
North Wales Live
05-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Annexe plan 'lesser of two evils' for 'picture postcard' Anglesey village
Plans to build an annexe in a "picture postcard" Anglesey village have been approved after being described as "the lesser of two evils". Anglesey Council's planning committee approved plans for an ancillary annexe to The Old Crown building in Moelfre during a meeting on Wednesday, June 4. The application, lodged by Kiran Purewal, was brought to the committee at the request of the local member Cllr Margaret Murley Roberts. It was felt the development would have a "negative visual impact" on the picturesque area. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday The existing dwelling was a two-storey terraced property within the development boundary of Moelfre in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Planning officer Rhys Jones said the proposal consisted of erecting an ancillary annexe to its rear. It was situated in an elevated position at the top of the site adjacent to Lon Ty Powdr overlooking the Moelfre coast. Planners considered it met policy, as it was a smaller, improved proposal to that of a previous, larger application which had permission on the site, and they recommended it be approved. A report said the application had resulted in 32 letters being received. The objections "were all similar in relation to what concerned the local people of Moelfre," it had noted. They included the "negative visual impact on the landscape, traffic and parking, drainage, second homes/holiday let uncertainty, and structurally a weak foundation base". They had "emphasised" how erecting a new building would "significantly impact the overall panorama and aesthetics of the landscape" and "destroy the character and quality of the village scene presenting an overbearing and visually intrusive element". Objectors added: "The design would be unsympathetic and harmful to the appearance and character of the village." They also felt the design and scale of the annexe would be "out of keeping" with the main dwelling and surrounding properties. Concerns that the annexe "should not be sold separately to the main dwelling" and that "second homes and holiday lets are a big issue in Moelfre," had also been noted. Cllr Euryn Morris read out Cllr Murley-Roberts' comments, on behalf of the community council. He also spoke for himself, and Cllr Ieuan Williams. Among comments raised, it was felt the annexe would "change the image of the village". He said the Old Crown Building was "an iconic building" which featured on postcards and pictures and they were "ignoring the importance of historical buildings" which "could have a detrimental effect on the area". The impact on neighbours was also highlighted, and the effect of a concrete lorry accessing the property, via a "horse and cart" road. There was also a query over the need for an annexe. "The last thing Moelfre needs is more holiday lets," he said. The planning officer said permission existed already for an annexe and the principal of development had been "safeguarded". It was smaller than what was already permitted, and the plan was considered an "improvement," of modern build, with "smart windows". He agreed it was "a picturesque area" and important to protect, but reiterated planning permission already existed. Lon Pwdwr was narrow, but no issues were raised by highways, and until the council adopted Article 4, its potential future use as holiday accommodation was not material to the application. An Article 4 Direction is a planning tool which can remove or restrict permitted development rights on houses. It has recently been adopted by Cyngor Gwynedd, to control the use of houses as second homes and holiday lets. Councillor Robin Williams noted that Cllr Murley-Roberts had called the matter in after community council concerns, but queried why there was no response received. He urged all community councils to raise issues if they had them. Describing the plan as "the lesser of two evils" he added: "I can't see any reason to refuse this, due to the existing planning permission from 2013." He added that he "respected" comments raised.
