Original by Arron Evans, NewsNorthWales - http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/171566/llandudno-residents-hopeful…
HOPE is growing among residents that plans for controversial parking charges in their neighbourhood might be dropped.
Conwy County Borough Council was set to introduce charges in the Gloddaeth Avenue, West Shore and Abbey Road area of Llandudno.
Following several complaints and petitions from members of the public and various councillors within the area, however, it is now strongly believed that the plan will be scrapped.
An announcement will be made in the coming weeks. A new investigation has been carried out by Victor Turner, the authority’s traffic and network manager, on the development of Gloddaeth Avenue, Llandudno and West Parade (West Shore), including the coastal section of Abbey Road.
An additional report will be presented to the customers overview and scrutiny committee when a final decision on the issue is expected to be made.
The Mayor of Llandudno, Cllr Carol Marubbi, said: “I think it would be absolutely absurd to charge people for parking in those three areas that were initially chosen by the council.
So many people live in the area and it would have affected them greatly in the long run, whilst also affecting tourism to the area.”
And deputy mayor Cllr Francis Davies said: “I’m totally opposed to the idea of charging people for parking in these areas. I think the more you charge people, the more people you start driving them away.
I’m part of the parking forum, which was set up to fight against plans like this, and I hope that our actions pay off.”
Janet Finch-Saunders, AM for Aberconwy, is equally as opposed to the charging plan and said: “It’s hugely disappointing, especially for our retailers here in Llandudno, so heavily reliant on their customers’ ability to park. “Other authorities have recently seized the initiative to actually introduce free car parking to support local business.”