Residents of Llandudno are left questioning the efficacy of the town’s new seawall defense, with many expressing doubts about its ability to protect the area from flooding. The wall, which was extended on the town’s West Shore as part of efforts to safeguard 6,000 properties, has been met with criticism and mockery.
The project, aimed at enhancing Llandudno’s sea defenses, began in July with a particular focus on upgrading the existing wall. However, instead of increasing in height, the newly extended wall remains relatively short, with some sections barely rising inches from the ground. This unexpected outcome has led to residents dubbing it as “about as useful as a chocolate teapot” and a mere “trip hazard”.
The extended seawall at West Parade has become a subject of ridicule, with comparisons made to the Great Wall of China and sarcastic remarks questioning its ability to save Llandudno from flooding. The wall has even been mockingly named “Canute’s Wall” after the Shakespearean king known for trying to defy nature.
While the updated seawall is just one of the many planned minor improvements along the coast, residents have expressed disappointment and amusement at its underwhelming stature. Despite the criticism, the project also included repairs to existing sea defenses like cracked walls and loose coping stones, aiming to strengthen the town’s resilience against coastal flooding.
It’s important to note that the seawall at West Parade serves as the third line of defense on the West Shore, behind the main seafront wave-return wall and a secondary wall forming a promenade. These tiered defenses, along with other measures like elevated car park kerbs and barriers, are crucial for protecting Llandudno against potential flood risks and wave overtopping.
Llandudno’s coastal defense enhancements have received support from the Welsh Government, with an investment of up to £5.2m committed to reducing flood risks for thousands of homes and commercial properties in the area. The ongoing project aims to safeguard the town’s coastal community for the next half-century, addressing long-standing issues like storm-tossed sand and potential flooding threats.
Despite the initial skepticism and mockery surrounding the new seawall defense, the comprehensive coastal defense scheme in Llandudno signifies a significant step towards ensuring the town’s resilience against future flood risks. Residents, officials, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the project’s progress as it continues to evolve in safeguarding Llandudno’s coastal communities.