Post-brexit lorry park ‘to close at end of month’
JOBS‘TO BE LOST’AND FEARS RAISED OVER CONGESTION ELSEWHERE IN TOWN
WORKERS at the Welsh Government’s post-brexit lorry park have been told it is closing.
The government created the park to meet demand for additional checks at Holyhead after Brexit and after the loss of another truck site.
It has proved a much-needed facility, particularly as the previous Road King site was closed when HMRC took on their site for a £45m customs post.
The Welsh Government is now building a separate border post for sanitary and phytosanitary checks on plant and animal products – all part of the additional red tape after the UK left the EU.
That post is being built on Plot 9 where the current Welsh Government lorry park is based.
Under the revised plans, a smaller lorry park was due to be retained on part of the plot.
But this month, contractors working on the site were told that the lorry park will shut at the end of March.
There are concerns over the impact, with fears about lorries clogging up laybys and other roadside places in and around the port town.
The Welsh Government said it was “considering a range of options”.
Security firm Corvus told staff about the planned closure.
It is understood 16 contracted staff are affected, although they have been offered alternative roles at other sites where they provide security.
One staff member said: “I’m concerned about the aftermath of this action and the loss of employment for the staff.
“An explanation would be appreciated and what is the ongoing solution to the ongoing offroad parking.
“Surely closing this site is not a solution but an advancement into chaos.
“Noise pollution in the town of Holyhead, traffic disruption, missed boarding, a community full of disgruntled people.
“Off-road parking should be paramount in the build up to Holyhead freeport.”
They said that currently the 60-bay site was often at capacity and sometimes had to turn people away.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are considering a range of options for Parc Cybi and will provide an update once those discussions have concluded.”