Safety fears over historic steps

Ifor Davies is worried someone could be seriously injured

Concerns have been raised about the safety of 19th Century listed stone steps in Porthmadog.

Local resident Ifor Davies, 83, who lives near the Grisiau Mawr (or Big Steps) said he was worried someone could be badly injured.

Gwynedd councillor Selwyn Griffith said that there was no handrail and that the steps were in bad condition.

A council spokesman admitted responsibility for their upkeep was a "grey area" which needed sorting out.

The steps were constructed, probably in the mid-1800s, to connect the harbour with new houses on Garth Road, which were built for shipowners and captains.

They were part of Williams Maddocks' original designs for the town, which took his name.

Basically if they can't sort it out before the winter I think they should close the steps Ifor Davies, resident

The steps still provide a handy short-cut for people travelling between the two areas, avoiding a half hour walk.

"I've lived here for years and I've been trying to get someone to do something about the state of the steps," said Mr Davies, who used to climb them regularly when he kept a boat in the quay.

"Old trees have overgrown part of it, there are no lights and no handrail and the steps are very worn."

Mr Davies said there had been numerous minor accidents as people slipped over the years, but he was now worried someone could be badly injured.

Part of the problem is that no-one will accept responsibility for the steps, he said.

'Distinctive'

A Gwynedd council spokesman confirmed the steps were a "grey area".

But a report had been compiled and would be presented to managers in the coming months to consider whether the council should take responsibility for them.

The steps are Grade II listed by Cadw as a "distinctive historical townscape feature contributing to the historical integrity of Porthmadog harbour".

The listing means permission is needed before any work is carried out, which further worries Mr Davies.

"You can't live on conservation, you have health and safety considerations nowadays, he said.

"Basically if they can't sort it out before the winter I think they should close the steps," he added.