Council blames pandemic for Beaumaris garages demolition delay

The Covid pandemic has been blamed for delays in demolishing  garages which some locals claim are contributing to major parking issues.

According to residents living in the Thomas Close area of Beaumaris, which stands near a children’s park, they were told that the ageing parking garages were due to be demolished with many users asked to return their keys by January 2021.

But claiming that no action has since been taken, some locals say that taking the garages out of use has led to even more parking issues nearby, a problem accentuated by some being used as Air BnB’s.

One local resident told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, “The rear of Maes Hyfryd, the majority of the garages are boarded up and the roofs  have caved in  and are quite dangerous.
“We were told earlier this year they would be taken down, we’ve had many discussions as neighbours as we either want them down or to be issued to residents to get the cars off the road.
“The street is chock-a-block with cars, there’s no chance of a fire engine or ambulance getting through if something happened.
“We’re in limbo at the moment as they’re in a hell of a mess, taking up space but nothing’s been done about them.
“So many of the houses seem to be let out as AirBnB’s, we’ve had hen do’s with everyone bringing their own cars and parties and all sorts, this is supposed to be a residential area.”

In response, an Anglesey Council spokesperson said, “We have plans to demolish the garages near Thomas Close.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic has had a negative impact on our investment program during 2020/21.
“We are now aiming to prepare and submit a planning application this autumn.
“In the meantime, garage tenants are permitted to continue using them.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter