Demolition of decaying resort hotel threatens months of traffic jams

A SEASIDE resort is being threatened by summer gridlock after a decision was taken to close several roads for up to three months.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

Drastic action is being taken to curb the dangers posed by a collapsing hotel in Tywyn, Gwynedd.

As the closures include a section of the A493 through the town, through-traffic will need to detour. Cyngor Gwynedd has apologised to residents and businesses but it said emergency action was needed at short notice to protect public safety.

The condition of the Corbett Arms Hotel has been a cause of concern for the council and the local community for several years.

Cyngor Gwynedd stressed that building maintenance is the owner's responsibility and said it had made 'repeated efforts' to ensure the hotel's preservation and refurbishment.

Despite efforts to secure a long-term use for the Grade II listed building, its condition has continued to deteriorate. In late January, part of the building's rear collapsed and a month later the ballroom roof caved in.