Prominent Barry Island traders are voicing their opposition to the Vale Council's new policy of charging for car parking at the resort during the winter months.
The car parks at Nell’s Point and Harbour Road had previously been free to use from the period between October 1st and March 14th. Now, visitors must pay £2.50 to park for more than an hour.
Local traders fear that charges will deter visitors to Barry Island during the winter, a time when Island businesses are popular with dog walkers.
Meeting with Vale MP Alun Cairns and local Councillors Steffan William and Nic Hodges to launch the anti-charges campaign, traders explained that potential customers face only an hour on the Island or a punitive charges which could decrease spending on coffee or chips.
Vale MP Alun Cairns said, “These parking charges risk Barry Island’s status as a year-round resort. The charges have the potential to deter visitors and decrease the amount of time and money spent on the Island.
“The local authority’s priority must be to work with traders to build lasting economic success on Barry Island instead of ignoring them to make a dash for cash through car park charges.
“The success of Barry Island matters for the whole local economy. The Council must sit down with traders and discuss an alternative plan for the Island car parks before excessive damage is done.”