PLAID CYMRU councillors in Barry have repeated calls for the Vale Council to scrap recently announced car parking plans.
At last week’s environment and scrutiny committee meeting, all five of Plaid Cymru’s Vale Councillors in Barry spoke against Labour’s car parking proposals, which include new car parking charges on-street on Barry Island, charges in Knap car parks and the closure of Court Road multi-storey car park.
Cllr Steffan Wiliam moved a motion to scrap the report, which was defeated on the casting vote of the Labour chair.
Cllr Wiliam, who represents Barry Island, the Knap and Waterfront, said: “These plans will negatively affect local businesses and local people.
“They will cause problems across the town, causing fewer people to visit Barry Island during the winter, affect the shops on the Knap and cause visitors to compete with local residents for parking spaces.
“In the town centre, closing the Court Road car park would reduce car parking spaces, with a consequent impact upon Holton Road. Plaid Cymru have been consistent in opposing car parking changes brought forward by both Labour and the Tories, who made similar proposals in 2019.
“I called for these plans to be thrown out and completely re-considered, but Labour councillors voted against that.”
Another member of the committee, Plaid Cymru’s Cllr Mark Hooper said: “In the meeting, we heard from local businesses on the Island and in Penarth who explained the impact this would have on them, including one who told us how he has lost 30% of trade since charges were introduced in Cosmeston and another who won’t go ahead with a new business on the Island because of the uncertainty these changes will cause.
“That is the real world impact. How many hospitality businesses will have to lay off staff as a result of these plans, or have to close down? The Vale Council should think of this from a wider perspective and consider how this will impact upon the businesses and local residents that they are here to serve, and not just upon the council budget.”
Photo: Vale Council.
The Vale Council leader, Cllr Lis Burnett, said: “Currently, it costs the Council £80,000 a year to maintain Court Road with further investment needed for it to continue meeting safety standards.
“While we welcome people to the Vale and understand why they want to enjoy the fantastic attractions on offer here, there are maintenance and resort management costs associated with visitors which the Council must meet.
“Asking this group to contribute to the upkeep of our resorts is only fair as that responsibility should not lie solely with residents.
“Season tickets are available for off-street coastal car parks, costing £60 for six months and £100 for a year, which are valid at any chargeable Vale Council run resort car park.”
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