Plans have been unveiled for a viewing platform within one of Holyhead’s ancient monuments to highlight the town’s rich Roman past.

One of the busiest ferry ports in the UK, Anglesey Council wants to cash in on its Roman assets, including the 1,700-year-old town centre fort.

Built in 300 AD, it has been described as one of the best sites of its type in the whole of Wales, being one of Europe’s only three-walled Roman forts.

But concerns that its potential is not being utilised has seen the authority submit plans for the Grade I-listed fortlet’s north east tower, which they hope could boost understanding of local history as well as footfall.

They say that the plans were sparked following long-standing community concerns for the overall site, as well as an impression of a “lack of usage” and “the general underplaying of the site’s significance,” but form part of a wider scheme to promote the improve access and enhance interpretation of the historic assets.

A spokesman for Anglesey Council said the plans form part of a bigger picture.

“The proposal for the viewing platform to the north east tower of the Upper Churchyard at St Cybi’s is one element of a series of improvements we’re currently investing in over the next 12-18 months and will provide increased access to the tower, a better experience for visitors using the viewing platform in understanding the Roman site’s relationship to its maritime past,” he said.

“This proposal builds on other works recently undertaken, including the clearance of the overgrowth and vegetation to the east face of the Upper Churchyard wall, the repair and restoration of lost architectural details to the Victoria Road gateway and archaeological excavations in the Lower Churchyard.

“The overall aim is to increase access and enjoyment of the site, with further works in development to remove trip hazards and level changes within the Upper Churchyard, better display the Roman Wall to the north side, increase lighting, seating and interpretation to the site, with complementary proposals for the improvement of the Swift Square public conveniences.

“We have worked closely with local stakeholders throughout, including the local Church, Diocesan advisers, Cadw and Holyhead Town Council.”

The Fortlet is thought to be one element of a more extensive system of Roman coastal defences on Anglesey, and also possibly along the North Wales coast.

Likely to have been abandoned in the late 4th Century as the Roman’s withdrew from Britain, the early history of the site afterwards is not entirely clear, although the site of the Roman Fortlet is mentioned in stories from medieval times.

The town’s Welsh name of Caergybi, translates into ‘Cybi’s Fort,’ and the town centre is built around St Cybi’s Church and the Fortlet in which it is situated.

It’s expected that Anglesey Council’s planning department will consider the plans over the coming weeks.