THE SNOWDONIA Natio­nal Park Authority has had its budget savagely slashed by 40 per cent over the last decade it has emerged.

Last week, the Welsh Budget was announced and national parks in Wales saw a staggering 5.3 per cent cut to their annual budget even after hard-hitting cuts have been applied in recent years.

Chief executive of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Emyr Williams was devastated by the latest reduction in spending.

“The situation here in Wales is quite different to the situation facing English national parks and it is a matter for the Welsh Government to prioritise spending areas,” he said.

“National parks in Wales, like local government, are continuing to face budget cuts.

“Over the last two years, the Snowdonia National Park Authority has faced 13 per cent cuts and the latest cut poses an even greater challenge.

“Over the last decade, the authority’s spending power has been reduced by 40 per cent.

“The timetable to take acti­ons and make difficult decisions is tight.

“Furthermore, the fact that the budget has still not been confirmed and that it will be for only the next financial year, means that planning for the long-term future and dealing with the cut is made more difficult.

“This uncertainty, along with the delayed Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales has meant that it is difficult for the authority to plan ahead.”

John Harold, director of conservation charity The Snowdonia Society, was equally dismayed.

He said: “National park authorities are being singled out for punishing cuts, compared to the other local authorities in Wales, which face cuts of around two per cent.

“This demonstrates that the Welsh Government doesn’t understand what national parks are for, nor what they do for Wales. Worse still, they seem not to care.”

“Carl Sargeant, Welsh Government minister for natural resources, deserves a Christmas present – or rather he deserves a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Present.

“He needs to know that, like Tiny Tim, national parks won’t survive the twin threats of ignorance and want unless he changes his ways.

“If an austerity-driven government can find the cash to maintain national parks in England, what on earth is the Welsh Government playing at?

“The Welsh Government needs to wake up to how much national parks deliver across the board on biodiversity, health, well-being and local sustainable economic development,” he continued.

“All we want for Christmas is any sign that Welsh Government is taking an interest in the value of national parks, rather than just the cost.”