Rethink over Anglesey 'bonkers' village double yellow lines proposals

A bid to improve traffic flow in an Anglesey village is being reconsidered following a local backlash.

In April, the county council unveiled proposals to slash the length of time cars are allowed to park along the main street in Newborough, as well as new double yellow lines outside Eglwysbach community hall.

But officers have now conceded that “strong feelings” have prompted a reconsideration of the move.

Publication of the initial bid sparked concerns it could “kill off” t he village and described by one local as ‘bonkers’.

Currently there are only parking restrictions during the summer months when traffic heading to Llanddwyn beach is at its peak.

But the proposal would see double yellow lines instead of a single one affecting Chapel Street, Church Street, Malltraeth Street and the junction with the B4421.

Council chiefs argued regulations would provide a better chance of finding a space in the bays near the square by reducing the maximum stay from 30 to 20 minutes.

But Denny Bradley, a kiteboarding enthusiast from York, said: “I visit Aberffraw regularly in the off-peak months and will stop in Newborough to pick up groceries and have a coffee.

“It’s just about doable in 30.

“But to reduce the time to 20 minutes and put yellow lines banning parking at all times is a crazy idea.”

Pete Sims, who stood in the ward during the local elections for the Labour party, was one of many who responded to the public consultation with concerns.

But in a reply letter, the Highways department confirmed that the strength of feeling had prompted a rethink.

Alun Roberts, senior engineer, said: “As a result of the objections, the authority is unable to proceed and confirm the proposal forthwith. Consideration will now have to be given to these objections with the aim of having them withdrawn by amending the proposal.

“It’s clear that there are strong feelings in Newborough and I can assure you that further discussions will take place with consideration to the views expressed before deciding as to how the proposal will be taken forward.

“This will involve representatives of the community council and elected members.”

Welcoming the development, Mr Sims said: “Too much of the community and business life is at stake to get this wrong, and I’m glad that the council has listened and is reconsidering its approach.”

Peter Rogers, county councillor, believes a resolution is ‘desperately’ needed over the future of the village car park.

In 2014, the county council submitted outline plans for 17 new homes on the site, which also houses former public toilets.

The authority said the plans would bring in revenue, create affordable homes and 11 of the 13 parking spaces would be left for public use even after construction.

But the proposals remain on hold for the time being, with no indicator if they will forge ahead with the bid.

Cllr Rogers said: “Whatever you’re going to do to restrict parking, you’ve got to ensure you have adequate parking to facilitate these vehicles. This has to remain as a car park, that is key.”

A spokesman for Anglesey Council confirmed that a decision over future parking arrangements had been put on hold until after the election period.