Town will not lose out on cruise ship coaches as parking dispute solution is found

THOUSANDS of cruise ship passengers will continue to be welcomed to a tourist hotspot following the settling of a dispute between the local authority and a town council.

Due to major flood alleviation work currently taking place in Beaumaris, the usual castle coach car park is expected to be out of action for at least five months as it’s used as a works compound.

But with Anglesey and Beaumaris Town Council unable to come to an agreement over alternative arrangements, fears had been raised that coaches carrying Holyheaddocked cruise ship passengers may avoid the town completely – delivering a major economic blow to the area.

But a specially convened meeting last Tuesday, saw members agree to provide part of the town councilowned green for the use of coaches for the duration of the works.

Several town councillors had initially raised fears the green could not cope with heavy coaches due to the marshland the town was built on, despite being the preferred option of Anglesey Council who say that discussions have been ongoing since December to try and find a resolution.

But Anglesey Council’s acting head of highways, Huw Percy, promised the town council that trackways would be put down to more evenly distribute the weight of the vehicles and any damage would be rectified before handing back to the town council’s control.

“I’d like to reiterate the good relationship we have with the town council and would commend the excellent work of the flood wardens,” he said, acknowledging there was “no good time” to carry out such a massive scheme in Beaumaris.

He added: “It’s very important that the strong message comes out from tonight’s meeting that Beaumaris remains open for business as the work goes on.

“Its important for us to remember that at the end of the scheme, the risk of flooding in Beaumaris will be hugely reduced.”

According to the mayor of Beaumaris, it’s expected that enough room for eight coaches will be required, having come up with four possible options including parking on the green or along part of the seafront.

Cllr Jason Zalot went on to say it was ‘vital’ that any solution meant the least possible disruption for bus operators, with suggestions regarding the former Lairds site also ruled out due to a lack of refreshment and toilet facilities for drivers.

But on the whole, most members felt the green would be more suitable due to concerns over the narrow access to Alma Street and the potential upheaval to local residents.

“We must remember that Beaumaris is a very old town that wasn’t designed for coaches,” Cllr Zalot concluded.

“But I’m pleased that we’ve come to a resolution and will be inviting a coach to test out the proposals later this week.

“It must also be pointed out that the Chamber of Trade has been very supportive and we have a community pulling together here to help the town.”