THE Happy Valley entrance to Llandudno Pier should be re-opened “early in the new year” following the completion of ongoing restoration works.

This will involve the replacement of three 16-metre girders, two 10-metre girders, side fencing, and the entire wooden decking from the entrance, all the way up to the ice cream kiosk.

The entire section will be scaffolded from the top all the way underneath, supported by a further two 18-metre girders.

Paul Williams, general manager of the pier, hailed the “huge investment” made by Tir Prince Leisure Group, which owns and operates it.

He said: “Happy Valley restoration work will commence next week, with the goal to open the entrance early in the new year.

“This will be only the second time in the pier’s history, and the first time in the past 50 years, where the original pier will be separated from the headland.

“There will be a display on the pier side informing the works to be carried out and the progress which is being made.

“Once complete, we will be looking at adding additional food and beverage offerings, including café/bar/outside seating, which will enhance the Happy Valley entrance and this section of the pier.

“We will continue to keep the general public updated as the project progresses.”

The Grade II listed Victorian pier is the longest in Wales, measuring about 700 metres, and was first opened in 1877.