Controversial beach boulders removed by angry opponents

Gareth Williams, local democracy reporter

Boulders blocking vehicle access to a popular North Wales beauty spot have been moved by tractor and dumped on the beach by a crowd of around 60 people.

It’s understood the huge rocks were placed on a grass verge by landowners in a bid to prevent campervans parking overnight at Llanddona Beach, on Anglesey’s east coast in March.

But the action meant Llanddona villagers couldn’t park on the lay-by either, preventing some with restricted mobility from visiting a beach they have enjoyed for decades.

As a result, 5,000 people signed a petition calling for their removal and now direct action was taken to remove the rocks and boulders on Monday night

According to an eyewitnesses over 60 people were at the scene as “six or seven tractors and a digger” moved the boulders and “dumped (them) on the beach”.

‘Anger’

Myrddin Roberts said, “There’s been a lot of anger locally about this and I think people had had enough and decided to do something about it themselves.

“We just hope now that the boulders never come back.”

Anglesey Council and Llanddona Community Council have been asked to mediate the ongoing dispute with nearby landowners – the ownership of the land has never formally been established.

Councillor Carwyn Jones, one of the local members for the Seiriol ward, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service “Local people have roamed freely for centuries on this beach and we must do everything to ensure that local access is maintained and that the beach is protected and managed effectively in future.

“We must maintain the dialogue, and I’m very willing to continue talking with Llanddona Community Council, Anglesey Council and all relevant stakeholders.

“There’s a lot of interest and a petition having attracted thousands of signatures, so it’s an issue close to a lot of people’s hearts.”

Anglesey Council has been approached to comment, but on the ownership of the land a spokesman said: “We are aware of the ongoing concerns about parking, in particular large numbers of motorhomes and campervans.

“The land on which this parking occurs is not within the ownership of the council, and therefore the council cannot take any enforcement action or implement any measures to prohibit or control or encourage use.

“The nearby car park has remained open and is available for use.

“We are currently engaging with local landowners and the community council to try identify appropriate solutions to address the issues and concerns that exist locally.”