Curious case of the disappearing Poundstretcher

Ever since the Woolworths store in Llandudno closed several years ago, there has been a great deal of speculation about who will be the new long term occupier of the premises. Both Publishers Book Clearance and Alworths have occupied the site but it has been empty for a few months after the demise of Alworths.

Last week, it was assumed Poundstretcher were taking over the premises as their signage was installed right along the shop canopy:

Now you see it....

However, in an interesting twist of events, it is widely rumoured that Tesco have gazumped them at the last moment so the shop can be used for a Tesco Express outlet. This would seem to be borne out by the fact that the Poundstretcher signage has been removed after less than a week in place:

Now you don't...

In my view, Tesco Express will revitalise that part of town and hopefully provide an impetus for other retailers to occupy the empty shops on that block. I understand that both the former Homestyle and Diskos shops are currently under offer.

Breakthrough

Return, a photo by davidrobertsphotography on Flickr.

After several years of deadlock, Conwy Councilllors voted today to move forward with the acquisition of the semi-derelict Colwyn Bay Pier.

This has to be good news for this beleaguered structure. The Plan is for the Council to grant a Lease to a local Community Group, who can work to both obtain grant funding for renovation work, whilst also carrying out smaller jobs themselves and reopening some of the pier's facilities to the public. I wish them the best of luck.

Queen's Gardens Fountain

Queen's Gardens Fountain, a photo by davidrobertsphotography on Flickr.

Very pleasing to see a powerful new fountain in Queen's Gardens, Colwyn Bay, a replacement for a rather feeble one that rarely worked due to vandalism. Well done to CCBC's Parks & Gardens Dept for getting this sorted out.

Next on their 'To Do' List - the Cascade water feature in Happy Valley, Llandudno....

No Flats

No Flats, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

I saw this graffiti on a sign in the Pwllycrochan Conservation Area of Colwyn Bay. One wonders if the vandal may have a point, as several large Victorian houses in that area have disappeared over the past few years, to be replaced by Apartment Blocks.

Surely allowing Permission for such developments is against the whole ethos of a Conservation Area?

Dereliction

Dereliction, originally uploaded by davidrobertsphotography.

I snapped this shot of the side entrance to Colwyn Bay Pier at the weekend. Sad to see how the process of decay is accelerating.

I only hope that the Friends of the Pier are ready to hit the ground running if they are able to assume ownership of the Pier - I understand that Conwy Council will be holding a Meeting in June to decide whether they will buy the Pier and then pass it on to the Friends Group to run.