By Andrew Forgrave

Copyright dailypost

French-style motorhome stopover sites are being trialled on Anglesey. Three parking areas on the island have been set aside in an attempt to ease pressures on communities blighted by illicit overnight stays.

Anglesey Council’s partnership approach follows on the heels of a similar move by Cyngor Gwynedd, which established four “arosfan” campervan sites in the county for similar reasons.

Anglesey’s stopover sites – known generically as aires – are in existing car parks that are already used “informally” by campervans. All are close to popular destinations.

The initial trial period will run until after the October half-term holiday. “We will then decide if the trial should proceed, with sites improved further or alternatively halting the trial,” said a council spokesperson.

“We have worked with Bodorgan Estate and Beaumaris Town Council on the initiative. We hope that by creating these sites we will create a valuable resource for users and communities, but equally importantly reduce the negative impacts seen in areas unable to cope with overnight campervans such as at Aberffraw, Porth Dafarch, Aberlleiniog and Llanddona.”

The three facilities are at: Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park Castle Car Park (Happy Valley), Beaumaris Porth Tyn Tywyn, near Rhosneigr

As well as attempting to address unofficial parking by motorhomes, the council hopes to “improve the welcome” for campervan owners. Since the Covid pandemic, the motorhome market has surged and owners typically boost local economies more than day-trippers.

Anglesey already offers a handful of private aires. The addition of three council sites has been applauded by the motorhome community.

However there are concerns over how many owners will actually use them. Online, one man said: “They’ll still park illegally and irresponsibly no matter how many facilities are provided for them. Another added: “They are too tight to pay for this type of parking, they prefer free laybys.”

Others take a more pragmatic view. “It’s better than no facilities at all, “ said a local woman. “Whether we like it or not, campervans are here for the long term and they bring much needed business to the island and North Wales.

“We either report every illegal stopover and pay to have the mess cleared up, or facilities are provided – it’s a decent compromise.”

Only a limited number of spaces will be available at each of the sites, which have capacities for a maximum of six motorhomes.

Booking is not possible – spaces are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Stays are for one night only, with payment via on-site pay-and-display machines.

A council spokesperson said: “The cost is £10 for the council-run site at the Breakwater Country Park, with similar fees at Rhosneigr and Beaumaris.

“As with aires across Europe restrictions are in place with campervans needing to be self-contained with toilet and cooking facilities. Barbeques, awnings and camping equipment such as tables and chairs are not permitted.”

Signage explaining the rules are provided at each of the three sites. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter – sent every Friday

See what’s on in your area