Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, and Cllr Mostyn Jones have spoken out against the decision by Conwy County Borough Council to introduce pay and display at major carparks in Llanrwst and Llanfairfechan.
During a meeting of the Council on 7 December, elected members voted to vary the 2023/24 capital programme so to include resurfacing of the car parks.
So to help cover the costs of the projects, Conwy County Borough Council are introducing pay and display at both sites.
Commenting on the planned introduction of pay and display in Llanfairfechan, Janet said:
“The costs of resurfacing the carpark are phenomenal because of years of neglect by Conwy County Borough Council.
“The carpark plays a central role in enabling people to access employment, shop locally, and enjoy what is a beautiful destination.
“Llanfairfechan has amazing potential to become an even more popular tourist destination. Rather than deter people from visiting with the introduction of charges, the free carpark should be part of an effective marketing strategy.
“When council tax has increased by 10%, there is no justifying the imposition of these new parking taxes in Llanfairfechan or Llanrwst.
“Llanrwst is another example of where the Local Authority is failing residents, and I endorse the strong opposition to the changes by Cllr Mostyn Jones”.
Speaking about the introduction of parking charges in Llanrwst, Cllr Mostyn Jones, said:
“The introduction of charges will penalise all of rural Conwy.
“The carpark is next to the largest library in the County which serves rural Conwy; is used by numerous people who work in the town; relied on by many residents who have no alternative place to park; many of us rely on the carpark to attend choir practices and church services; and it is our major carpark beside the A470 so has a key role to play in helping see more people stop in rather than just drive through the town.
“Glasdir is an essential free parking facility. £249,000 is coming from the UK Government for the project, so Conwy Council only has to find £12,000.
“Rather than try to cover the cost by introducing harmful charges at Glasdir, Conwy County Borough Council should look to find the £12,000 elsewhere.
“I am extremely disappointed that our County Councillors, one of whom is a Cabinet Member, did not speak against this bad deal for Llanrwst. They and the County Council need to urgently rethink the business case”.
ENDS
Photos:
Janet Finch-Saunders MS & Cllr Mostyn Jones
