The RNLB Andy Pearce will have to replaced within three to five years

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said the future of its all-weather craft is under threat and claims lives will be put at risk if it disappears.

The RNLI have said the existing boathouse in Lloyd Street will be too small to accommodate a new faster and powerful type of lifeboat currently being designed.

A similar application for a boathouse near the resort's Grade II listed pier was rejected in 1998 by Conwy Council which was upheld on appeal by the Welsh assembly.

One criticism of that application was the design did not blend in with nearby historic buildings.

The RNLI have drawn up amended plans for either a Victorian-style boathouse or a modern curved-roof building.

Its deputy launching authority at Llandudno, Ray Evans, said the station's current Mersey class offshore-lifeboat, RNLB Andy Pearce, would soon need replacing.

"Her hull is very badly corrugated with dented ripples - she's okay but will need to be replaced in the next three to five years.

When you're in trouble time is of the essence - if you're drowning you can't wait for help to arrive Ray Evans

"The problem is the new boats being designed to replace the Mersey class are faster and bigger - it will be two metres longer and won't fit in the boathouse.

"Unless we have a new boathouse, Llandudno will have to close as an all-weather lifeboat station.

"It won't close as altogether because the inshore lifeboat will continue, but we won't be able to run the bigger boats."

The inshore-lifeboat is used for operations close to the shore while the offshore boats travel out to sea.

'Exposed'

The RNLB Andy Pearce carries seven crew, has a 140 mile range and a top speed of 15 knots.

The more modern replacement boats being designed will have a top speed of 25 knots, a 250 mile range while carrying the same number of crew.

Mr Evans said alternative stations were considered in nearby Colwyn Bay but it was concluded that it was too "exposed" to severe weather.

He said Llandudno's "unique" shoreline meant carriage launch boats could be safely launched at different points against the prevailing winds.

Llandudno's offshore lifeboat covers an area from Llanddulas, near Abergele to the Menai Straits.

"If we lose our offshore boat then we would have to rely on our flank station in Moelfre and Rhyl.

"This means that delays could undoubtedly lead to a loss of life.

"When you're in trouble then time is of the essence, if you are drowning then you can't wait for help to arrive.

"A boat from Rhyl couldn't get over in under an hour.

"We have made a presentation to Llandudno Town Council and there wasn't any doubt that they were fully on our side, he said."

Llandudno's RNLI have organised further presentations with both Colwyn Bay and Conwy town councils before submitting a planning application to Conwy Council.

A council spokeswoman said: "We have not received a recent application for a new lifeboat station in Llandudno. Once received all applications are subject to the planning process and each is considered on its own merits."