A beach known for its "geological and archaeological wonders" is crumbling into the sea. The speed and dramatic impact of storms and powerful tides is "rapidly eroding" the coastal area, including the cliffs and a car park and picnic site.
Gareth Phillips, who is part of a local group set up to protect the area, believes sea defence work carried out by the council in 2018 to protect coastal properties, has speeded up the decline of what is an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and a designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI). A champion of the beach, Mr Phillips has made an impassioned plea to the authorities to "do something" to address the problems to "protect the area's heritage."
An "initial investigation" has been carried out over possible erosion problems at the Lleiniog beach and carpark between Llangoed and Penmon, Anglesey Council has confirmed. Long studied by scientists and academics for its rare rocks and geology, archaeology, marine and Roman and medieval historical features, the area was left bare when heavy machinery was used to pile up boulders dating back to the end of the last Ice Age at the top of the beach in 2018, NorthWalesLive reports.
It is believed locally that the coastal area has long been impacted by erosion, caused by extreme weather, rising tides of the Menai Strait and easterlies. But now the sandy areas are visibly changing and disappearing, the sedimentary cliffs are breaking down and a water channel on the beach has completely changed direction.
The edges of the car park and picnic area are cracking, leaving wooden benches and tables closer to the deteriorating shoreline. This is despite extensive historic tidal defence work consisting of nets of rocks and large boulders.
The problems have prompted some local concerns that the well-used recreation area, known for its stunning views, could eventually disappear altogether. Along with the impact of climate changes and rising seas, Mr Phillips has also questioned whether new work to create tidal defences could be having an impact by redirecting the powerful waves towards the carpark and beach, saying: "Lleiniog beach is an absolute treasure it is the jewel in the crown of Ynys Môn."
the retired health professional added: "It is famed for its archaeological and geological wonders and it has suffered over the last few years. It had some appalling damage carried out by large earth moving machines on the apparent instructions of the council.
"We have had huge barriers built to protect newly built houses near the coast and we now have erosion at the carpark, which is an asset much appreciated by visitors and the community. We see the land is rapidly eroding, my plea is, please, please, the authorities that deal with care for these things, please look at and protect our heritage for now and evermore," he added
One local who wished to remain anonymous there had been "dramatic changes" to the area. "It looks completely different to a year ago, the edges of car park are gradually disappearing, each time I go down there more has gone, the beach looks completely different," they said.
Another local said: "It is just shocking at how much it is changing in such a short time at Lleiniog."
An Anglesey Council spokesperson said: “Initial investigations have been carried out at Lleiniog beach after concerns about possible erosion that were brought to our attention. Discussions are ongoing as to what steps can now be taken.
“With regards to the recent sea defence works, these were private works undertaken by the owner of a nearby property in accordance with the planning permission granted by the authority."
