The workshops, organised by North Wales Police through the North Wales BikeSafe initiative, are open to riders of all experience levels — from those new to motorcycling to seasoned bikers wanting to sharpen their techniques.

Delivered by experienced police motorcyclists and supported by volunteer observers with extensive riding knowledge, the sessions are designed to help riders improve safety, decision making and machine control in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

Organisers say the aim is not to slow riders down, but to help them gain greater control and confidence while enjoying their bikes safely.

Participants will receive expert advice on positioning, cornering, observation skills and smoother riding techniques during a mix of classroom learning and practical road experience.

The day-long workshop begins with registration at 9am, followed by a theory session focusing on five key collision causation factors and how to avoid them. After a lunch break, riders will take part in an observed ride of around 60 miles before returning for a debrief and written assessment.

Routes used during the workshop include roads around Eryri National Park, giving riders the opportunity to develop their skills on some of the region’s most scenic and challenging routes.

North Wales Police said the workshops are subsidised through the North Wales Road Safety Partnership, allowing places to be offered at a reduced cost of £78 per rider.

Due to the small group format, spaces are limited to ensure riders receive personal support and guidance throughout the day.

More details are available here.

At 12.42pm, the Conwy RNLI Lifeboat Station was tasked by HM Coastguard to assist the vessel, which had become disabled after suffering both engine failure and a jammed rudder.

Conwy’s D-Class inshore lifeboat Enid & John Hislop launched on an ebbing tide with three volunteer crew members onboard – Steve, Clare and Paul – and quickly began searching the area after receiving updated coordinates placing the casualty vessel near C12.

The crew located the boat shortly afterwards and found that the skipper had managed to restart one engine. However, the rudder remained jammed, leaving the vessel with significant steering difficulties and unable to safely make passage.

Given the size of the vessel and ongoing concerns around control, additional assistance was requested from colleagues at Llandudno RNLI, who launched their Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat to support the operation.

On arrival, the Llandudno crew assessed the situation and took the casualty vessel under tow, guiding it safely back to the Conwy Marina area and placing it onto the outside waiting berth.

The incident was described as a strong example of multi-agency cooperation between HM Coastguard and both Conwy and Llandudno RNLI lifeboat stations, ensuring the situation was brought to a safe and controlled conclusion.

With the vessel secured and its crew safe, Conwy lifeboat was stood down, returning to station where it was washed down, refuelled and prepared for service once again.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Welsh football after guiding Llandudno to the JD Cymru North title, finishing five points clear of nearest challengers Airbus UK Broughton F.C. and securing promotion to the JD Cymru Premier.

Hadaway’s achievement has attracted national attention, with the young boss now expected to become one of the youngest top-flight managers anywhere in Europe next season.

Under his leadership, Llandudno have produced one of the standout stories in Welsh football this year, combining an exciting style of play with consistency throughout the campaign to earn a return to the top tier.

The FAW National League Awards, held in association with Morgans Consult, recognised the top performers across the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South following another highly competitive season.

In the JD Cymru Premier, Jordan Williams of The New Saints F.C. was named Player of the Season after scoring 26 league goals to secure the Golden Boot. Meanwhile, John Disney claimed Manager of the Season after leading Connah’s Quay Nomads F.C. back into European competition with a second-place finish.

The JD Cymru Premier Young Player of the Season award went to Ieuan Owen of Barry Town United F.C., following a breakthrough season in which the teenager scored 11 league goals.

In the JD Cymru North awards, Jamie Breese of Holywell Town F.C. was named Player of the Season after helping fire his club to promotion with 24 goals and 14 assists.

The division’s Young Player of the Season accolade went to Connor Owen after an impressive campaign with Holyhead Hotspur F.C., where he scored 17 goals.

Further south, Liam Eason of Cambrian United F.C. won JD Cymru South Player of the Season, while Andy Hill led Trefelin BGC to the title and was named Manager of the Season.

The JD Cymru South Young Player of the Season award was presented to Dan John, who played a key role in Ammanford A.F.C. earning promotion to the top flight.

For Llandudno, however, the spotlight firmly belonged to Hadaway, whose title-winning campaign has transformed expectations around the club ahead of their return to the JD Cymru Premier.

The new timetable, which has now come into effect, increases services along the North Wales Coast Line by around 50 per cent as part of the wider Network North Wales programme.

Among the most significant changes is the extension of the hourly Manchester Airport service beyond Llandudno to Holyhead, improving links between North Wales, north-west England and ferry connections to Ireland.

A new direct hourly service between Liverpool and Llandudno has also been introduced, giving passengers along the coast a direct rail link to Merseyside for the first time in many years.

The timetable redesign also combines the separate hourly Wrexham-Chester and Chester-Crewe services into one through service, creating a direct hourly connection between Wrexham and Crewe.

Meanwhile, the Birmingham to North Wales service, which currently runs every two hours to Holyhead, will now terminate at Llandudno Junction instead. The change is intended to simplify operations and improve reliability across the wider network.

Transport for Wales says a new service pattern will also improve commuting opportunities into Holyhead and Bangor, supporting jobs and economic growth across Anglesey and Gwynedd. As part of the changes, Valley railway station will now become a compulsory stop for all relevant services, giving passengers greater certainty when travelling from the station.

Passengers are also being promised a simpler timetable, with many trains departing at the same time each hour on key routes north and west of Shrewsbury, making journeys easier to plan.

The uplift in services comes alongside infrastructure improvements being delivered by Network Rail, including new footbridges at Prestatyn railway station and Pensarn railway station to replace high-risk level crossings with safer, step-free routes. Additional safety work has also been carried out at crossings including Flint Marsh, Stokyn Lodge and Fishpool Farm ahead of the timetable launch.

The timetable changes also coincide with the rollout of contactless pay-as-you-go ticketing across 15 stations between Wrexham General and Bidston, allowing passengers to tap in and tap out using contactless payment methods.

Ken Skates, former Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, previously described the changes as “generational change” for rail passengers across the region. 

Denbighshire County Council said barriers in the middle section of Nova West car park have been shut after reports of drag racing and other reckless driving incidents in the area.

The council said the anti-social behaviour had also caused disturbance to neighbouring properties, prompting action to improve safety and reduce disruption for nearby residents.

Officials are now working alongside North Wales Police to introduce measures aimed at deterring dangerous driving and tackling those responsible.

The authority said the restrictions are temporary and that the car park will fully reopen once the new measures have been implemented.

In the meantime, a smaller section of the car park will remain open for public use.

The council also confirmed it will contact organisers of the weekly Parkrun event to ensure the temporary closure does not affect Saturday morning gatherings at the site.

Nova West has long been a popular location for walkers, runners and visitors to Prestatyn’s coastline, but authorities say the recent behaviour has raised significant safety concerns.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, was made the subject of an indefinite restraining order, placed on the sex offenders register, and was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Rebecca Watkiss of the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “I welcome today’s sentence, providing a clear message to all victims of paedophiles such as Baucage that whilst their crimes may be historic, we will treat all reports of abuse with the utmost seriousness, and whenever possible, we will bring perpetrators before the Court and hold them to account.

“I would like to highlight the courage of the victim in this case, and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of this or any other similar abuse, to contact us via our live webchat or on 101.”

The appointments are the first major announcement by the party since voters went to the polls on May 7, with the Conservatives now preparing to challenge the new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government from the opposition benches.

Among the appointments are several prominent North Wales politicians, including Janet Finch-Saunders, who takes on the role of Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, and former Conwy Council leader Sam Rowlands, who has been named Policy Director and Shadow Minister for Education, Families and the Constitution.

Announcing the team, Mr Millar said the group would bring together “a wealth of talent and experience” and would work to hold the Welsh Government to account on behalf of communities across Wales.

He said the Conservatives would aim to be a “constructive opposition party” in the Senedd and would work with others where possible to deliver positive change. He also pledged that the party would continue campaigning for lower taxes, reduced public spending and improvements to public services.

The new shadow cabinet sees Paul Davies appointed as Deputy Leader, Shadow Trefnydd and Chief Whip, alongside responsibility for the Welsh language, culture, tourism and sport.

Natasha Asghar becomes Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, while former Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies takes on the farming and environment brief.

Meanwhile, Peter Fox has been appointed Shadow Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities.

Mr Millar will continue as leader of the Welsh Conservatives while also serving as Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans.

The scheme, known locally as Period Proud Conwy, provides free period products across a wide range of public buildings including schools, libraries, leisure centres, family centres, community venues and council offices such as Coed Pella. The products are available freely, discreetly and without any questions, helping remove both financial and social barriers.

The initiative is part of a wider drive across Wales to end period poverty — a term used to describe the inability to afford or access suitable menstrual products such as pads and tampons, as well as wider challenges including stigma, lack of education and inadequate facilities.

Period poverty can affect people in several ways. For some, it is purely financial, where the ongoing cost of sanitary products competes with essentials like food or heating. For others, it is about access, particularly in rural or low-income communities where products may not be readily available. It can also be about stigma, where embarrassment or lack of open conversation prevents people from seeking help or support.

Research in the UK has shown the scale of the issue, with surveys suggesting around 1 in 10 girls have struggled to afford period products at some point, while others have missed school days or limited participation in sport and social activities as a result. Welsh Government-backed research and third-sector organisations have repeatedly highlighted that period poverty can contribute to reduced attendance, lower confidence and wider inequalities in education and wellbeing.

Across Wales, the Welsh Government has invested in making period products freely available in schools and public buildings as part of its wider equality and anti-poverty strategy. The aim is to normalise access, reduce stigma and ensure that no one is held back because of their menstrual health.

Conwy County Borough Council says its approach goes beyond simply providing products. The council is also encouraging open conversations about menstruation, challenging myths and supporting young people and adults to feel confident discussing menstrual health.

Councillor Hannah Fleet, Cabinet Member for Integrated Adult Services and Human Resources, said the scheme is about dignity and inclusion, stressing that no one should miss out on education, work or daily activities due to lack of access to basic hygiene products. She added that the council’s work is also focused on breaking down stigma and ensuring people feel supported in managing their menstrual health.

The programme aligns with the wider strategy set out by the Welsh Government under its Period Proud Wales agenda, which aims to create a fairer and more equal society by tackling both the practical and social impacts of period poverty.

For Conwy, the message is clear: menstrual health is a basic part of wellbeing, and support should be available quietly, consistently and without judgement — so that no one is excluded from education, work or community life because of their period.

The North West Wales Community Cohesion Fund 2026/27 will offer grants of between £500 and £5,000 to voluntary and community organisations across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, supporting projects that help build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Administered by the Community Cohesion Team for North West Wales, the fund is designed to support events, activities and initiatives that bring people together, challenge negative perceptions and promote shared understanding between different groups.

At its heart, “community cohesion” is about making sure people from all backgrounds feel they belong where they live. That can mean neighbours getting to know each other, different cultural groups celebrating together, or local organisations creating safe spaces where people can talk, learn and connect without fear or misunderstanding.

It also focuses on reducing tensions before they grow, by encouraging positive conversations and shared experiences that replace stereotypes with real human connection.

The fund is open to third sector organisations and community groups, with applications encouraged for projects that promote inclusion, celebrate diversity and share positive messages about local communities. Activities could include cultural events, workshops, youth activities, community meals, awareness campaigns or storytelling projects.

Organisations applying must be properly constituted and have a bank account in their name, or work with a host organisation to receive funding on their behalf. Only one application per group is allowed, although collaboration between organisations is strongly encouraged.

Projects supported by the scheme are expected to align with key Welsh Government policies, including the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, the Socio-economic Duty, Nation of Sanctuary, Cymraeg 2050, the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan and the LGBTQ+ Action Plan.

The focus, officials say, is not just on short-term events, but on long-term relationship building — helping communities feel safer, more connected and more confident in their shared identity.

A spokesperson for the Community Cohesion Team said the aim is to support “practical, grassroots work that makes a real difference in everyday life”, adding that even small grants can have a big impact when communities are given the tools to connect.

Applications and information packs are available until 27 May 2026, with completed forms to be submitted by email to the Community Cohesion Team. Further details are available by contacting communitycohesion@anglesey.gov.wales.

In simple terms, community cohesion is about people seeing each other not as strangers or labels, but as neighbours — sharing the same streets, schools, workplaces and futures, and finding ways to live well together.

Five major housing associations – Adra, Cartrefi Conwy, ClwydAlyn, Grŵp Cynefin and North Wales Housing – have teamed up to create a community-focused exhibition stand at the week-long festival, which takes place from May 23-29 at the Anglesey Agricultural Showground.

The organisations, which collectively own and manage more than 25,000 homes across north and mid Wales, say the partnership highlights the important role housing associations play in supporting communities beyond simply providing homes.

Visitors to the stand will be able to enjoy a range of free family-friendly activities throughout the festival, including face-painting, interactive music workshops with Band Bwced, crafts and the chance to tackle the interactive “Cyclone” challenge to win prizes.

The stand will also offer rehearsal space for performers taking part in competitions during the festival.

Alongside the entertainment, the housing associations will use the event to promote career opportunities within the housing sector, showcasing roles ranging from construction and plumbing to communications, finance, housing management and community support.

Clare Budden, chief executive of ClwydAlyn, said the organisations were looking forward to creating “a place for our communities to meet, celebrate and enjoy all that this year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd has to offer”.

She added: “We’re looking forward to meeting visitors, competitors, and residents from across Wales, and sharing some very special moments with our communities.

“And of course, anyone who would like to explore the idea of working within one of our organisations is welcome to chat to the team about the enormous variety of career options that the housing sector has to offer.”

Mel Evans, chief executive of Grŵp Cynefin, said the event was an ideal platform to inspire young people.

He said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young people to our unit and showing that the housing sector offers careers which make a difference, in their own communities – whether it’s in plumbing, construction, finance or marketing.”

Helena Kirk, chief executive of North Wales Housing, said the partnership demonstrated the strength of collaboration across the region.

She said: “The Eisteddfod yr Urdd is a wonderful celebration of Welsh culture, community and the next generation, and we’re proud to be part of this year’s Eisteddfod in Ynys Môn.”

Iwan Trefor Jones, chief executive of Adra, said the festival also offered an opportunity to highlight the growing need for affordable housing across Wales.

He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the positive impact we have on our communities, to highlight the importance of delivering more affordable homes for local people, and to underline our shared commitment to meeting the growing demand for affordable housing.”

The annual Eisteddfod yr Urdd is recognised as Europe’s largest touring youth festival and is expected to attract more than 90,000 visitors this year, with over 15,000 competitors taking part in competitions ranging from singing and dancing to theatre, art and design.

Housing associations across Wales currently provide homes to around 10 per cent of the Welsh population and manage more than 154,000 social housing properties nationwide, while directly supporting around 23,000 jobs across the sector.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has opened a nationwide public vote inviting people to choose their favourite butterfly, from familiar garden visitors like the Red Admiral and Orange-tip to rarer species found in parts of Wales.

The campaign comes as experts warn many butterfly populations are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change and changing land use, with around 80 per cent of UK butterfly species declining over the past 50 years.

North Wales remains one of the best places in Britain to spot some of the country’s rarer and more unusual butterflies, particularly in limestone grasslands, coastal habitats and mountain landscapes.

Among the most sought-after species in Wales is the rare High Brown Fritillary, one of Britain’s most endangered butterflies, which has strongholds in parts of North and Mid Wales. The striking Pearl-bordered Fritillary can also still be found in suitable Welsh woodland habitats.

Meanwhile, the marshy grasslands and dunes of North Wales are home to species including the Small Heath, Common Blue and the silver-spotted Grayling butterfly, which is often seen along the coast during summer months.

Conservationists have also recorded increasing sightings in Wales of species expanding northwards due to warmer temperatures, including the Comma and Holly Blue butterflies.

The vote, which runs until 7 June, aims to encourage more people to reconnect with nature and spend time outdoors watching butterflies.

Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, said butterflies hold a “very special place in our hearts” and are often one of people’s earliest memories of wildlife.

She said: “From the colourful to the quirky, the common to the elusive, all butterflies are beautiful and we look forward to officially crowning Britain’s favourite.”

The UK is home to 60 butterfly species, including two regular migrant visitors — the Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow — which can occasionally be seen arriving in Wales in large numbers during favourable weather conditions.

North Wales has seen several remarkable butterfly sightings in recent years, including occasional appearances of rare migrant species carried across from continental Europe by warm winds.

Wildlife experts say butterflies are important indicators of the health of the environment because they react quickly to changes in climate and habitat quality.

Butterfly Conservation President David Attenborough has previously said: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

The charity says even spending 15 minutes watching butterflies can help people feel more connected to nature and more motivated to protect wildlife.

People can vote for their favourite butterfly and take part in a butterfly personality quiz via https://britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk/

Members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) say occupational therapists should play a bigger role in helping people stay independent, avoid hospital admissions and receive support earlier, before problems escalate.

The call comes as NHS waiting lists, staff shortages and increasing demand continue to place strain on services across Wales. RCOT members argue that investing in earlier support in local communities could help reduce pressure on hospitals and social care services while improving people’s quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, helping them carry out everyday activities that are important to them. This can include supporting premature babies and families in neonatal units, helping children take part in school life, assisting adults to stay in or return to work, and enabling older people to live safely and independently at home.

The profession focuses on practical support, adaptations and rehabilitation to help people manage illness, disability or recovery from injury.

In the letter, members warn that Wales “cannot afford to wait for crises to happen” and say more investment is needed in prevention and early intervention.

The therapists are calling for five key changes, including embedding occupational therapists into every community healthcare cluster, improving workforce planning, increasing long-term funding for innovation and ensuring occupational therapists have greater access to senior leadership roles.

RCOT says evidence shows occupational therapy can help prevent avoidable hospital admissions, shorten recovery times and support people with long-term conditions to remain active and employed. The organisation argues that this not only benefits individuals, but can also reduce costs across health and social care services and support the Welsh economy.

Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales at RCOT, said: “Wales can’t afford to keep waiting for a crisis to happen. Occupational therapists are already preventing hospital admissions, easing pressure on stretched services and supporting people to do the occupations they want and need to do.

“But they need to be positioned to provide the right support at the right time to make maximum impact. This is a clear call to invest in prevention, unlock our potential and put community-based care at the heart of a healthier Wales.”

The proposals form part of RCOT’s wider vision for health and social care in Wales and come as political parties prepare for a new term in government following the Senedd election.

The organisation is now urging ministers, local authorities, health boards and healthcare leaders to work more closely with occupational therapists to deliver earlier support and more care closer to home.

Further information about the campaign can be found on RCOT Wales.

Public Health Wales said it is working closely with the Welsh Government, the UK Health Security Agency, health boards and local authorities as part of the ongoing response to the outbreak.

Officials confirmed the Welsh residents involved are all currently well and showing no symptoms of hantavirus. Those affected are undergoing daily assessments and regular precautionary testing during a 45-day self-isolation period.

A spokesperson said robust arrangements are in place should anyone begin displaying symptoms, ensuring they receive urgent medical attention if needed.

Health officials also moved to reassure the public that hantavirus is not spread through ordinary day-to-day contact such as attending work, school, shops or public places.

In the rare cases where person-to-person transmission has occurred, authorities said it involved “close and prolonged contact” with someone infected.

There are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in Wales.

A spokesperson added: “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.”

The latest update from the UKHSA revealed six individuals who had been isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral since Sunday evening are now returning home or to alternative accommodation to continue their isolation.

Public health and clinical teams assessed each case individually before allowing the move following further negative PCR test results.

Authorities said tailored support packages are being put in place to help people safely isolate at home, while onward travel arrangements are being managed with “appropriate public health protections” throughout the journey.

All contacts remaining at Arrowe Park are asymptomatic and all tests for hantavirus have so far returned negative.

Specialist teams across the UK will continue daily monitoring and support throughout the isolation period, while additional contacts may also be relocated in coming days to continue isolating in more suitable settings.

Meanwhile, medical teams monitoring contacts on Ascension Island and St Helena confirmed one individual, a medic on Ascension Island, had developed symptoms. Samples taken to the UK on May 8 tested negative for hantavirus, with further investigations underway to determine whether the illness is unrelated.

Professor Robin May praised those involved in the response effort.

He said: “Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension Island to repatriate British nationals who are currently isolating on the island.

“Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved.

“Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak.”

Officials are continuing contact tracing, testing and monitoring operations, while urging the public and media to respect the privacy of passengers, contacts and their families during what has been described as a distressing time for everyone involved.

Responding to the announcement of the new government at Senedd Cymru, the Welsh Conservative leader said voters had demanded “a change in direction” rather than simply “a change in personnel”.

Mr Millar said: “People in Wales did not vote for a change in personnel, they voted for a change in direction.

“We need new ideas and new governance, not the same old politics of the past 27 years.

“This new Plaid Cymru Government has a monumental task ahead of it, and for the sake of the people of Wales, I want it to succeed where Labour fell short.

“My magnificent seven Welsh Conservative team will do everything in our power to hold them to account and ensure they deliver for Wales.”

The Conservatives returned seven Members of the Senedd following this month’s historic election, which saw Plaid Cymru become the largest party in Wales for the first time since devolution began in 1999.

The seven-strong Conservative group includes senior figures such as Andrew RT Davies, former Monmouth MP Peter Fox, North Wales politicians Sam Rowlands and Janet Finch-Saunders, alongside Mr Millar.

Despite suffering heavy losses compared with previous Senedd terms, the Conservatives remain one of the main opposition groups in Cardiff Bay and are expected to focus heavily on issues including NHS waiting times, transport, farming, rural affairs and opposition to further constitutional change.

Mr Millar himself remains one of the most recognisable Conservative figures in North Wales politics. Born in Towyn and now living in Kinmel Bay, he was first elected to the Senedd in 2007 representing the former Clwyd West constituency. 

Before the recent boundary changes and expansion of the Senedd, Clwyd West had long been regarded as one of the most politically competitive constituencies in Wales and regularly changed hands between Labour and the Conservatives before Mr Millar established a strong majority there over several elections.

Under the new expanded Senedd system introduced for the 2026 election, the old constituency boundaries were replaced by larger electoral areas, with Mr Millar now representing the new Clwyd seat.

During his time in the Senedd, Mr Millar has held several senior Conservative roles including Chief Whip, Shadow Health Minister and Shadow Minister for North Wales and the Constitution, before becoming leader of the Welsh Conservatives in late 2024.

The political landscape in Wales has shifted dramatically following the 2026 election, with Plaid Cymru leading the government, Reform UK emerging as a major opposition force and Labour suffering its worst result in the history of devolution.

At the council’s AGM today, members gave permission for an independent consultation process to begin following new powers introduced by the Welsh Government.

The Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill was approved by Senedd Cymru in July 2025 and later received Royal Assent, giving local authorities the option of introducing a tourism tax on overnight accommodation.

Conwy Council says no final decision has yet been made and that the consultation will allow businesses, residents, visitors and tourism stakeholders to share their views before councillors decide later this year whether to proceed.

Cllr Sharon Doleman, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Communications, said: “I welcome the opportunity to consult on the Visitor Levy with stakeholders, businesses, residents and tourists. The responses of those engaging with the consultation will provide the elected members with invaluable feedback enabling members to make an informed democratic decision on this important matter.

“We know there’s considerable interest in the Visitor Levy in Conwy, which is why we’ve engaged an independent company to carry out a consultation to gauge local opinion.”

The prospect of a levy has sparked strong debate across North Wales’ tourism industry, with supporters arguing it could generate much-needed funding for local infrastructure, while critics fear it may discourage visitors at a time when many businesses are already under financial pressure.

Some tourism operators believe a small overnight charge could help councils invest in services heavily used during peak holiday periods, including public toilets, beach cleaning, car parks, footpaths and environmental protection.

Supporters also point to examples in European tourist destinations where visitor taxes are already common and say the money could help maintain the quality of destinations that attract millions of visitors each year.

Others within the industry, however, are concerned the levy could make North Wales less competitive compared with English holiday destinations where no equivalent charge exists.

Owners of smaller hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation have warned that even a modest additional cost could influence family budgets, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Some businesses also fear additional administration and paperwork linked to collecting and managing the levy.

Tourism remains one of the biggest economic drivers in North Wales, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, retail and attractions in areas including Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed and Conwy.

The consultation results are expected to be presented to councillors later this year before a final decision is made on whether the levy should be introduced in Conwy County.