The uncertain future of a century-year-old business was up for discussion at Conwy Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The Pioneer reported in November last year the Conwy Harbour Master -Matthew Forbes, in a report presented to council, had said the Conwy Mussel industry was on the brink of collapse.

Mr Forbes said the mussel industry had been on the decline for a number of years because of low yields and lack of a clear management strategy.

A decision in 2017 by the Welsh Government to enforce licensing legislation the harbour master said had “brought the industry to the brink of collapse” with only two gatherers working during the 2017/18 season and the purification plant at risk of closure.

The special cabinet meeting in October last year discussed options of what could be done and resolved to support the Conwy Mussel Company in an application for a several order which would see them become the legal owners of the shellfish species covered by the order within the area.

Now for the first time since this special meeting in October the future of the Conwy Mussel industry and the several order required was discussed by the Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) cabinet.

Although there was no in depth discussion on the state of play with the Conwy Mussels, councillors said things were looking a lot more positive for the future of this "iconic" part of Conwy.

Cabinet member for environment, roads and facilities said: "It is looking very positive now that we can not just maintain the industry but improve and grow this activity which is so important to Conwy and its own brand of mussels."

While cabinet leader, Gareth Jones, said: "We are all happy to hear that things are moving on with this industry, it is part and parcel of Conwy, it's a Conwy icon as far as this ancient town is concerned."

Since the last meeting in October Bangor University have secured funding to open a shellfish research centre and discussions had already been held with a view to externally funded mussel cultivation trials within Conwy Harbour.

At a meeting with researchers on December 4, 2018 it was agreed that in the first instance Bangor University would commence two desk top feasibility studies.

The Conwy Town Council said it will also help secure the several order for the Conwy Mussels industry by putting in funding towards the application.