BARMOUTH’s premier motoring event has caused a split among councillors after claims that it damages the town.

For the last 11 years, Barmouth has held a popular Motocross event which brings crowds of tourists to the town.

However there was consternation at a recent town council meeting, with some councillors adamant that the event should not clash with either the school holidays or Barmouth’s annual Bonfire Night celebrations.

There were also accusations that some Motorcross attendees block off areas of the town and commit criminal acts.

The super-charged event was discussed by the town council after Gwynedd Council’s Maritime Department asked for their views.

Deputy mayor Cllr Val McArdell said that the Motocross supporters filled the car park with caravans, blocked off the harbour area and that there were acts of vandalism during the event last year.

She claimed that the event deterred genuine holidaymakers from visiting the town.

Cllr Sue Slater agreed to some extent and said that the Motocross should not clash with the half-term school holidays or the community bonfire event.

She warned that there were high tides on 15 and 16 October and that there could be a problem with the course on the beach washing away.

Cllr Trefor Roberts said that the council should support the event on the proposed dates of 15 and 16 October as this would not clash with any other festivity.

Cllr Rob Triggs said that the event brought in a lot of people to Barmouth and that many businesses, including bed and breakfast establishments, benefitted.

Originally the event was promoted for the town in order to extend the summer season and attract out-of-season visitors.

Previous events were widely advertised by the Motocross organisers.

The town council did not object to 15 and 16 October but wanted to highlight the fact that there were high tides on those days.

Barmouth Beach Motorcross organiser Tom Arnold told the Cambrian News he did not understand the council’s concerns.

“I keep in touch with local police and received no details of disturbances or vandalism as far as we know. We work with the local council and maritime department concerning the beach and correct parking,” he said.

“We use the car park opposite the beach as it’s the nearest and safest place, we take care to ensure every one is correctly parked with safety lanes all around the vehicles.

“The town makes a considerable profit from the Motorcross events as restaurants, supermarkets, public houses etc are always full during that weekend.”

Mr Arnold added: “Tourists flock to watch the Motorcross event. As for the tides being high on those days, we will be advised if this date is suitable and await the harbour master’s reply.

“We always put the beach back in perfect condition, the event runs at no cost to anyone in Barmouth and we assist the Wales Air Ambulance, Barmouth RNLI and donate towards the community bonfire every year as a show of good faith. I’m looking forward to another successful year.”