Free parking move due to gas work in Llandeilo (From South Wales Guardian)

Free parking move due to gas work in Llandeilo

9:00am Friday 25th January 2013 in News

LLANDEILO is to enjoy a free shoppers’ parking concession for two months because of disruptions caused by gas.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board have acted after hearing of problems being experienced with the A483 trunk road, closed while the gas main is being laid in Rhosmaen Street.

While the trunk road and works being undertaken are not the responsibility of the county council, it has decided to step in and to help ease the effect on the community.

“The cost to the county’s ratepayers would be in the order of £14,000 in lost car parking revenue at the Crescent Road car park,” said a spokesman. “There is no budget provision for such a concession to the end of March.”

The executive board heard that ticket sales at car parks had been unaffected by the works but businesses had reported suffering. There was specific legislation for traders to claim compensation from the utility company if they were able to prove their losses.

Cllr Colin Evans, executive board member for transport and engineering, said: “We have listened to the concerns of the local county councillor, Edward Thomas, and the community in Llandeilo who are anxious about the disruptions caused due to the work currently being carried out in Rhosmaen Street by Wales and the West Utilities.

“We are aware of the problems they are facing and although they can claim from the company for loss of income, it’s a long drawn-out process which won’t help them through the next few months.

“We support the local councillor in his request and give free parking after 10am for four hours each day until the work ends. It is due to finish on March 30 and I will also be writing to the utility company to ensure that this timetable is adhered to.”