CONTROVERSIAL plans to replace seaside kiosks on Rhos-on-Sea promenade will go ahead despite widespread opposition from residents.

Conwy County Borough Council’s widely opposed proposals for a one-way system along Cayley Embankment will also go ahead, the council has said.

Greg Robbins, Conwy's cabinet member for environment and transport, said a business case has been submitted to enable the construction of new kiosks next year.

The council’s capital selection panel will now decide whether to approve the proposals on December 6.

A petition had been signed by more than 2,500 against the demolition of the existing kiosks, which many residents felt were a beloved feature of the promenade, while kiosk business owners held fears over whether they would be replaced. Kiosk owner Moussa Salem, who said the proposal would "destroy livelihoods".

North Wales Pioneer: MS Darren Millar with The Cayley kiosk owner Moussa Salem.MS Darren Millar with The Cayley kiosk owner Moussa Salem.

The proposals were part of flood defence plans for Rhos-on-Sea, which include a raised beach and new rock groyne.

The one-way traffic plan was devised to enable the construction of a four metre-wide pedestrian and cycle route along the promenade.

The council held a consultation over the plans for Rhos-on-Sea promenade at the start of October, while residents are again being asked to submit their views before December 23.

Cllr Robbins said: “The key aspect of these proposals is protecting Rhos-on-Sea’s coastal defences, but it’s also an opportunity to increase the safety and enjoyment of the promenade and public spaces.

"We understand how important the kiosks are to local residents. We’ve submitted a business case for Council capital funding, but all avenues for funding are welcome, as we appreciate the importance of replacing the existing kiosks with modern, fit-for-purpose units.

"The proposed one-way system gives room for a wider promenade so we can provide significant improvements to benefit the local community."

Clwyd West MP David Jones said the proposed one-way system will cause "traffic chaoes" for residents, adding that there needs to be more "firm plans" for how the kiosks would be replaced.

“I am dismayed by the council’s revised proposals, which are not significantly better than the original ones," he said.

“To have a one-way system along the seafront in Rhos is completely unacceptable. It would cause traffic chaos and disruption to local residents. The council must drop this unpopular proposal.

“We are also still seeing the demolition of kiosks without any firm plans for new ones. There should be no demolition until plans are put in place to build new kiosks.

"The kiosks are an important part of community life in Rhos and we need a complete assurance that they will not be disappearing forever."

But Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, welcomed the council's commitment to replacing the kiosks.

He said: “I was delighted to hear that the council has listened to local views and revised their plans and are now looking to replace these important community assets that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

“While the battle isn't quite over as funding still needs to be allocated for the new kiosks, this is certainly a huge leap in the right direction.

“The petition which was launched in direct response to the original plans to remove the kiosks, which made no reference to them being replaced, showed the strength of feeling against this move.

“The kiosks have been an integral part of Rhos-on-Sea for many years and are well used by both locals and holidaymakers.

“The original plans gave no consideration to the owners of these kiosks, whose have faced months of worry over the future of their livelihoods.”

Other proposals in the plans include benches, planters, trees, play equipment bins, public art features and health markers that show the distance walkers have travelled.