Police costs revised for prom day

The May Day event attracts up to 60,000 visitors say organisers

Organisers of a seaside fun day in Conwy have reached a compromise over the cost of policing the event.

It had been feared private security would have to be used after North Wales Police said the bill would have to rise from £2,000 to £3,600 this year.

That has now been reduced to £2,500 which organisers of the May Day event at Colwyn Bay feel is acceptable.

North Wales Police had said the event already received a discount as the true cost of policing it was £12,000.

Deputy mayor of Colwyn Bay, councillor Phil Edwards, a member of the organising committee, said: "The fees for policing have been renegotiated and have been reduced to what I hope is a manageable level.

"The organising committee which is due to meet very soon will have to decide of course, but I will be recommending their acceptance."

'Return tourism'

Mr Edwards said he was "delighted" with the outcome.

"Hopefully the event can now go ahead as planned," he added.

The free event, aimed at families, stretches for nearly two miles (3.2 km) attracts around 60,000 visitors each May Day Bank Holiday.

It includes a fair on the promenade.

Alun Pritchard, senior marketing officer with Conwy Council said Atomic Kitten member Liz McClarnon has been lined up to perform this year, along with the other attractions.

"The event is organised at the beginning of the season to try and encourage return tourism to the area later in the year," he said.

Local businesses have been encouraged to take part, he added, to promote their services and sell goods.