Gwynedd Council performs parking charge U-turn after move slammed by restaurant bosses

Gwynedd Council is set to make changes to parking fees in Criccieth following a backlash from bosses at a local restaurant.

Managers at Dylan’s Restaurant, which has a branch in the town, issued an open letter to the council’s leader over the decision to increase parking charges at the Maes car-park by 500 per cent.

They said the move had dealt a “huge blow” to trade since the minimum payment of £5.50 was introduced a week ago, leading to a flurry of booking cancellations.

The council has now agreed to bring in lower fees for short term parking.

In their letter to the local authority, David Evans and Robin Hodgson from Dylan’s said: “This decision, made by Gwynedd Council, is perhaps the most ill-considered and insensitive piece of destructive action we’ve witnessed in all our years of business in North Wales.

“The increase, which comes with a new minimum payment of £5.50, effectively imposes a 500% increase in parking charges to staff, local customers, and those visiting from further afield.

“This comes as yet another huge blow, at a time when our business, and all other local businesses, are trying to recover from the largest ever challenge to our existence.

“Our customers are furious. Other local businesses and residents are confused and angry. This is no understatement.

“The frustration brought by this unbelievably ill-timed change, has already resulted in many cancellations and no-shows for our restaurant, and brought chaos and bad feeling to our welcome desk at Dylan’s Criccieth, as well as throughout the town and county.

“We urge you to reconsider this decision at your earliest opportunity and I thank you in anticipation of a positive response.”

In response, a Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Following a thorough review of parking arrangements across the county, we have recently introduced a fee structure that will offer fairness and consistency across Gwynedd. This has been the first change to the fee structure since April 2015.

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

“We will be introducing amended fees of £1 for up to two hours and £2 for up to four hours in the effected long-stay car-parks which includes the Y Maes and Llandanwg long-stay car-park.

“In terms of the Maes car-park in Cricieth, there is an additional 10% being raised and used locally by the town council.”