Welshpool bins “ridiculous” Maesydre paid car park idea

Welshpool Town Council will not be introducing charges to park at their Maesydre Car Park following a backlash from residents, with one councillor calling the idea “ridiculous”.

The issue was brought to the table last month with the cash-strapped local authority keen to investigate new revenue streams.

The car park was targeted after it became apparent that workers were parking there all day to avoid the price rises imposed in the town’s Powys County Council-run car parks.

But the site is earmarked for a future skatepark, raising immediate concerns from councillors who said that the reputational damage it could create would far outweigh any income made.

And before councillors agreed unanimously at last night’s Strategy, Property and Development Committee meeting to bin the idea, one of its most vociferous opponents, Cllr Billy Spencer, urged fellow councillors to read the comments posted on social media in response to our story, and added: “Open your eyes and read the comments. I think it is a ridiculous idea.”

Town Clerk, Richard Williams, presented a detailed report that provided councillors with information that highlighted how much the car park could make, but also the potential issues it could create.

He also said that several sports clubs had already responded negatively to the idea of players, supporters and families being charged to park there.

Cllr Morag Bailey said that the Town Council had been “right to look at it and discuss, but I would like to propose that we don’t move forward with it”. Cllr Phil Pritchard, the committee chair who first floated the idea, agreed.

It was decided that the facility would remain as a free car park for the time being, whilst the skatepark plans are developed. That project has been put on hold following a whopping estimate of £390,000 handed to the Town Council by designers, Canvas. But it is understood that new plans are being developed behind closed doors with more details coming soon.