RESIDENTS angry at “extortionate” new fees at a Ll?n car park have won a U-turn from the council, who said they will bring in cheaper short-term options.

The hike in fees came into force across Gwynedd Council car parks at the end of the month.

Criccieth resident Iolo Davies labelled the council “greedy” after the minimum fee at Y Maes car park went up from £1 to £5.50.

Mr Davies said: “Until 27 June the price was £1 for four hours. From then it’s £5.50 for up to 12 hours or £11 for up to 24 hours.

To me this is extortionate. If a person wanted to do some shopping, get a haircut or visit the seaside, where is the option for one or two-hour stays? Everyone’s had a tough year but Gwynedd Council are just after money - pure greed!”

However Gwynedd Council told the Cambrian News they have now agreed “after having carefully considered concerns raised from the public and businesses regarding possible impact of the changes”, to introduce a short-stay section in the Maes car park - but this will still be more expensive than before, at £1 per hour, for up to three hours.

They said the long-stay section has summer fees of £5 for up to 12 hours, with an additional 10 per cent being raised and used locally by the town council. Winter fees are £3 for up to 12 hours.

Residents across Gwynedd reacted angrily to the parking fee increases this week.

Harlech resident Jean Miles said the increase was “worrying”, and caravan owners Simon and Lesley Calrow said increases in Tywyn are a “deterrent” for families and holidaymakers.

A spokesperson for Gwynedd Council said: “Following a review of parking arrangements, we have introduced what we believe is a new and simplified fee structure that will offer consistency across Gwynedd.”

They said the review revealed income generated by some car parks was not enough to cover costs associated with collecting and banking money and maintenance and since there have been no changes since April 2015, they “believe it is timely and justified to introduce changes which will see some increases whilst there will be no change in other car-parks”.

“Our aim in introducing the changes in fee structures was to offer fairness and consistency across the county.”

But following feedback, the council said it will make changes.

The spokesperson said: “Having carefully considered comments and concerns raised from members of the public and businesses regarding possible impact of the changes, the council will be making slight changes to the new fee structure for those motorists wishing to park for shorter periods.

“Shortly, we will be introducing additional fees of £1 for up to two hours and £2 for up to four hours in the affected long-stay car-parks.”