By Andrew Forgrave

Copyright dailypost

Residents forced to put up with the long-term closure of their high street are now being fined for parking on it, it’s been claimed. Businesses remain open in Deganwy but many are struggling with the road’s closure and are happy to get any footfall they can.

Traders claim a 10-week gas pipe project is causing major disruption in the seaside town. One notable shop has been forced to shut already, its owner citing the “detrimental effect” the works have had on her business since the road was closed to through-traffic three weeks ago.

The A546 through Deganwy, which encompasses Station Road and Deganwy Road, is being closed in phases until November 21. With diversions in place, some motorists have been left unsure whether they can reach the town. Businesses have noticed a significant drop in trade.

An “Our village needs you” message has been issued to residents, urging them to support the town’s “struggling” businesses. According to Conwy councillor Julie Fallon, who represents the Deganwy ward, this support has come with a nasty surprise.

Writing online, she said: “I have been made aware of a number of people and staff members on and around Station Road in Deganwy receiving parking fines. This is in spite of the road being closed and workmen saying it is OK to park near their businesses.“

In a subsequent email to the local authority, she wrote: “This feels incredibly unfair and I struggle to understand why a parking enforcement officer would be going along a closed road to try and ticket people. This just adds insult to injury.” Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now

Visitors can currently park at either end of the town and walk in, while paid parking for locals is available opposite the shops. In the absence of through-traffic, it was believed that on-street parking would be permitted too. Much of the road has double yellow lines, though some hour-long free spaces are available.

Fear of parking enforcement is another worry for businesses already losing trade: one café has said it is throwing stock away because of the downturn. Already closed permanently is Casuals @143, a popular ladies’ clothing shop which had been trading on Station Road for more than 25 years.

Writing in today’s Daily Post, columnist Judith Phillips said the shop’s closure had sent “ripples of fear” through other businesses on the road. She believes inadequate warning was given of the likely impact of the gas works. Nor was there sufficient consideration of the losses that businesses would inevitably suffer.

“Deganwy has a selection of niche shops, bars and restaurants,” she wrote. “But there has been no mention of any compensation being available for their reduced takings over a significant period.

“I think this is something that should be costed into such major road works when it’s inevitable that they will adversely affect businesses.”

Conwy Council would not be drawn on the issue of business rates, following suggestions these be temporarily reduced or waived. But the local authority said parking enforcement had been requested and this was duly carried out.

A spokesperson said: “Conwy County Borough Council has a duty to enforce parking restrictions on the highway and in our car parks.

“Following a complaint about cars parked on yellow lines in Deganwy, our Civil Enforcement Officers issued Penalty Charge Notices.

“If road users feel they have been wrongly issued a Penalty Charge Notice, they should go through the standard appeal process.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

The spokesperson added: “The road closure on Station Road is for essential gas work by Wales & West Utilities. Although the road is closed for passing traffic, it is still open for residents and shoppers. We ask that road users continue to follow traffic laws and park safely.”

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