AN UNDER-FIRE councillor faced a vocal crowd at a town council meeting after making an objection over a food van at a festival in Tywyn.

There was a full house at a public session before last week’s Tywyn council meeting as approximately 30 local residents and business owners turned up to support the Tywyn Live Festival 2018.

The event, which is organised for free by the Tywyn Events Organisation, is in its third year and attracts hundreds of people to the promenade each year with live music, refreshments, and a fireworks display.

Despite its popularity, county councillor Mike Stevens, pictured above right, had objected to the county council over there being a burger van at this year’s event, fearing it might impact on local businesses.

Cllr Stevens had also objected to the plans last year on similar grounds as there was a temporary bar at the event.

Cllr Stevens, who also sits on Tywyn’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce, has made it clear that he supports the event in general but fears that catering firms brought in for the festival would draw trade away from businesses on the seafront.

Members of Tywyn Events Organisation believe the attack is “personal” however.

Speaking at the meeting, event organiser Jonathan Kendall said: “Every year we put on this event, and every year we have problems from one local councillor.

“His objection delays us in getting licences and getting things set up in good time. It’s time to put aside personal feelings and do what’s best for Tywyn.”

Cllr Stevens told the crowd he felt he was “under attack” and said he was not trying to stop the event.

Read the full story in today’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News