Axe Llandudno's Victorian Extravaganza says Johnny Dough's Pizzas boss

A Llandudno restaurant owner has claimed the Victorian Extravaganza has had its day, and the seaside town needs to take a more “21st Century approach” to attract visitors.

Although the three day event was a success as thousands of people flocked to Llandudno, many cafes and restaurant owners had a relatively quiet weekend.

Some were furious that the organisers had allowed burger vans and other food outlets into the town with many setting up outside food businesses.

Morgan Austin who owns Johnny Dough’s Pizzas said: “We had the worst week since October.

“We took over the weekend what we’d normally take on a Friday night.

‘Every dog has its day’

“I’m £4,000 down, as I overstocked and overstaffed the restaurant.”

He added : “Every dog has its day, and I really think the town needs to develop a more 21st century approach-we need to offer something new.

“I also had a big grey van with a huge generator outside our premises for the three days, which didn’t exactly help.”

Carol Jones who runs the Cafe Indulgence said: “There were too many food outlets, there was a burger van parked near us and they did a roaring trade.

‘I’ve got big plans to transform the event’

“There were queues of people willing to pay £4 for a burger, whilst I sold them for £2.75.

“It’s galling as it’s the business owners that pay the rates.”

Derek Hobson who runs the Cocoa House with his wife Anne said: “Our biggest concern is because we are in George Street parallel with Mostyn Street. They put a big helter-skelter which almost obscured our road.

“It’s like the organisers are protecting the rides.

“It’s supposed to be a boost for the town. Unless you were familiar with the area you wouldn’t know we were there.

“We lost out. It’s my wife Ann’s business and it boosts our income but now we were looking at it and it was down by a third.”

Chris Williams the chairman of the Extravaganza, said he wished more business owners would help the volunteer led committee who organise the annual event.

“I spoke to the Llandudno Chamber of Trade and talked to many business owners leaving them my card, but not a single person contacted me with offers of help.

“If they got more involved and helped with sponsoring the event then there would be less need to have so many food outlets and we could bring more attractions into the town.

“I only became chairman late in the day but I’ve got big plans to transform the event.

“The Victorian Extravaganza has not had its day.

“And it shouldn’t be all about how much money people make, it’s about families coming into the town and enjoying themselves.”