A PETITION has been launched to oppose introducing a new pay and display car park in Borth y Gest.

An action group has been set up to oppose the new parking order which is set to be introduced by Gwynedd Council for the centre of the village.

Over 80 concerned residents attended a public meeting in the village at the end of January to discuss the car parking changes.

A member of the action group said: “Over 80 people came to a public meeting on 30 January to discuss Gwynedd Council’s intention to apply a pay and display car parking arrangement in the village car park.

“Many have strongly objected to the proposal on the grounds that no impact assessment was done to assess the likely negative effects on local residents and home owners.

“More cars will be seeking free curb side spaces in an attempt to avoid car park charges.

“The effect of this will mean home owners will struggle to find anywhere near their houses to park.

“There will also be more disruption to the village as more cars will be passing along streets, looking for curbside spaces, in an already congested area with narrow roads."

In February 2015 Gwynedd Council announced they would be updating the parking fees structure across the county, which they have not done since 2007, after an extensive review into parking provisions were carried out.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “The council has held discussions with a number of local residents who have expressed concerns and following consideration of a number of constructive suggestions, changes have been made to the proposal for this car park.

“We can confirm that any changes to the management of the car park will not affect authorised boat launching and storage on the adjacent grassed area.

“Public notices regarding the proposal to introduce a pay and display facility will be published in the near future."

See this week’s Cambrian News for the full story