By Andrew Forgrave,Holly Morgan

Copyright walesonline

Locals dealing with the long term shutdown of their high street are now facing parking fines, despite getting the go-ahead from workmen agreeing that business owners can park there. Business owners say a 10-week gas pipeline scheme is wreaking havoc in the coastal community of Deganwy. Shops continue trading on the high street but many are battling the road closure and welcome any customers they can attract. One prominent retailer has already been forced to close, blaming the “detrimental effect” the construction has had on her business since the route was shut to through-traffic three weeks ago. The A546 through Deganwy, incorporating Station Road and Deganwy Road, is being shut in stages until November 21, reports North Wales Live . With alternative routes established, some drivers have been left uncertain whether they can access the town, and as a result, commercial premises have observed a marked decline in the levels of trade. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here An “Our Village Needs You” appeal has been launched to locals, encouraging them to back the community’s “struggling” enterprises. According to Conwy councillor Julie Fallon, who serves the Deganwy ward, this backing has arrived with an unpleasant shock. Posting 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. “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.” People visiting can presently park at both ends of the town and walk through, whilst paid parking for residents is accessible across from the shops. Without through-traffic, it was assumed that roadside parking would also be allowed. Most of the street has double yellow lines, although some one-hour complimentary spaces are on offer. Anxiety over parking enforcement presents another headache for traders already experiencing declining custom: one café has reported discarding stock due to the slump. Permanently shut is Casuals @143, a well-liked women’s clothing store which had operated on Station Road for more than 25 years. Writing in the Daily Post, columnist Judith Phillips noted the shop’s closure had caused “ripples of fear” amongst other enterprises on the street. She considers insufficient warning was provided about the probable consequences of the gas works. She also said there was inadequate thought given to the losses that businesses would unavoidably endure. “Deganwy has a selection of niche shops, bars and restaurants,” she noted. “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 declined to comment on business rates following calls for these to be temporarily slashed or scrapped altogether. However, the local authority confirmed that parking enforcement had been requested and was subsequently implemented. 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.” The spokesperson added: “The road closure on Station Road is for essential gas work by Wales and 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.”