BREXIT CUSTOMS SITE BID THROWN OUT
“WHOLLY inappropriate” plans for a Brexit customs HGV facility at Mona have been thrown out by councillors, who accused the UK Government of “running around like headless chickens.”
Despite having to be in place by January - the end of the EU transition period - no site has been identified to allow the additional customs checks that will be needed on arrivals from the Republic of Ireland. The port itself is said to be unable to accommodate such a unit, but proposals to use the Anglesey Show’s existing park and ride facility on the Mona Industrial Estate to hold up to 100 HGVs were unanimously rejected by the local authority’s Executive on Monday morning.
The council-owned land is leased via a peppercorn agreement to the Anglesey Agricultural Society, but an application to amend the terms allowing its sub-leasing was rejected amid claims that it would have an adverse affect on local communities and “defeat the purpose for which the lease was granted.”
It’s understood that the move would have benefited the society - the organisers of the annual agricultural show - during a time of general financial uncertainty following this year’s cancellation due to Covid-19.
Councillors noted, however, that alternative “more suitable” sites along the A55 had been recommended - at least one on the outskirts of Holyhead - while critical of the lack of action taken so far with the clock ticking to December 31.
Cllr Bob Parry, the portfolio holder for Highways and local member for Canolbarth Môn, said it would mean “round the clock traffic”, affecting local communities.
“The application breaks the terms of the lease quite clearly, but what worries me is the impact on the village of Gwalchmai and the crossroads at Rhostrehwfa who would be faced with hundreds of lorries every day as they come off and back onto the A55,” he said.
“Many homes in Gwalchmai are forced to park their cars on the A5 and children cross the road to go to school, while the junction at Rhostrehwfa is already dangerous.
“I can’t understand why permission is being sought by the Agricultural Society to be honest, as it was the problem parking and the queues leading back to Gaerwen, almost, which led to the park and ride being established.
“Do they realise the implications for the show itself?”
Cllr Carwyn Jones said the UK Government was now “running around like headless chickens” as they “scramble” to hit the deadline.
He added: “The UK Government has been a shambles when it comes to Brexit and this will all land on our doorstep within a matter of months.
“They can’t sit in London and just look at Google maps, and we can’t be strong armed into accepting a site that isn’t appropriate.”
Cllr Robin Williams said that he “despaired” at the situation, adding: “We’re almost in October now, why haven’t they discussed this with us and asked our views? It’s utter madness.”
The Welsh Government says that with only three months to go, “precious time has been lost,” claiming that they were only recently invited to become involved in joint planning including the requirements at Welsh ports.
The Anglesey Agricultural Society has been approached to comment.
A UK Government spokesman said: “HMRC is working closely across government, with the Welsh Government and with ports to implement infrastructure changes. Alongside engaging with ports to understand what infrastructure may be required, we are reviewing potential sites close to ports, and near strategic road networks, including options to support Holyhead.”