Council plans to develop the Beaumaris seafront have sparked fears among locals that the town's unique character will be destroyed.

Objectors plan to voice their concerns at a public meeting on Friday evening.

It would put our business in jeopardy - all the years I have put in here will have been for nothing Stan Zalot, Starida Sea Services

The council-backed scheme put forward by consultants includes the construction of a visitors' centre and a promenade link between Gallows Point and the town.

Part of the Point is already being redeveloped to become a �7m marina by a private firm, and the council is now proposing to revamp a nearby boat shed area.

The council says the idea of the new �6.7m scheme will boost the economic benefit the town would gain from the marina development.

But boat owners and business people are furious they were not consulted before the council's Executive Committee chose this option.

Public amenity

They fear that replacing the ramshackle boat sheds on the north-eastern side of the Point with managed units facing onto the marina side could end a centuries-old boating tradition and affect business in the town.

"There is a community feel here, as well as several cottage industries," said boat shed owner Howard Mattocks.

The marina will be developed at Gallows Point

"We are all in favour of a marina, but this part of the Point should remain a public amenity.

"The proposed option says that there will be no room for budget boat owners here anymore," he said.

Local man John Davies uses the boatyard slipway to launch his small boat.

"Small boat owners like me will be squeezed out if this scheme goes ahead," he said.

"This area has a historic value for the people of Beaumaris, but this plan would not give permission for members of the public to launch a boat from the beach," he added.

Boat owner Stan Zalot, who has been running a business from his boatyard since 1975, says he would be forced to wind up his boat trip company if the proposals go ahead.

"It would put our business in jeopardy - all the years I have put in here will have been for nothing," he said.

Gateway

The plan would affect the area which is seen as the gateway to Beaumaris and includes a visitor centre at Gallows Point.

Tea shop owners Nigel and Karen Black say a visitor centre is the last thing they want.

"The plan includes a 150-space car park and a large retail space - we want coaches to come into the town," said Mr Black.

The past and the future have to work hand in hand or Beaumaris will die Martin Pritchard, mayor

"The centre would be the worst thing that could happen to us.

"It would ruin us," he added.

Director of Highways, Transport and Property, Dewi Rowlands, said the proposals were being presented to the public as a starting point.

"There is no intention to create a focus which would be a disadvantage to the town's business people," he said.

Mayor of Beaumaris, Martin Pritchard will be opening the public meeting.

"I can see the logic of managing the boat sheds, but it needs to be independent and not part of the marina development - people need to have access," he said.

"But the past and the future have to work hand in hand or Beaumaris will die," he added.