Strict parking rules are turning our beautiful seaside resort into a ghost town – and it’s going to get even worse
RESIDENTS of a beautiful seaside resort say it is being turned into a ghost town by strict parking rules.
Locals of Llandudno, Wales are fuming at the council’s plan to ban parking on more than fifty streets in the town, saying that it will kill of the high street.
They fear that the crackdown on cars will ruin the trade and tourism upon which the area relies.
Colin Chapman, 67, told The Sun Online: “Parking is a real problem here and if the council plans go ahead it’s going to get worse.
“I am partially disabled so I need my car because I find it difficult to walk a long way.
“When I came into Llandudno to go to my bank last week I couldn’t find a parking space, so I missed my appointment…it’s so frustrating driving up and down and up and down looking for somewhere to park.”
Fellow resident Michael Smith, 54, added that the council has “gone too far”.
He fumed that the plans will “destroy” the town and joked that they were brought in because “one of the councillors got fed up with not being able to find a parking place”.
Meanwhile Samantha Owen, who was visiting her sister in the town, said: “We come to Llandudno frequently to see her, especially during the holidays, like now, because she’s off work with half term.
“It’s going to be really inconvenient trying to find somewhere else to park.
“I’ve been told they’re going to be sticking double yellow lines down the whole street, which will cause absolute misery to people living here and visitors.
“Goodness know what it will do to the local economy. Don’t these councillors and highways planners realise the place is going to end up a ghost town?”
‘CHAOTIC MESS’
Local businesses are dismayed the proposals and say they are “killing” trade in the area.
Robin Pritchard and Eira Williams, who run the Build your Own Bear shop on Llandudno’s famous pier, urged the council to reconsider.
Robin said: “We don’t understand it at all. Where on earth are people going to park?
“It’s all a chaotic mess and it isn’t going to help trade in the town. They’re in danger of killing trade in the town.
“On Veterans Day, the council sorted out a temporary place to accommodate a park and ride area and it worked well.
“Why on earth don’t they do something like that for the town, instead of trying to set up a blanket parking ban that will make things difficult for residents, businesses and visitors?
“Whatever happened to common sense?”
Conwy County Borough Council have been contacted for comment.