- 28/07/2015
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
Joyce Watson Demands Answers on Barmouth Bridge
Labour Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson has written to Dilwyn Williams, the Chief Executive of Gwynedd County Council, asking whether there is any truth in the rumour that Barmouth Bridge is going to be closed to pedestrians in order to save money.
Joyce Watson AM is concerned about the effects on the local economy and on the convenience of locals and visitors who use the bridge.
In her letter she states, “In a survey carried out by a local ramblers group, 50-60% of visitors said they came to walk.” The popularity of the walk and subsequently the bridge, in her view, lead to inevitable questions being asked of those whose responsibility is the budget. She goes on to say, “Closing the bridge to pedestrians will therefore have a negative impact on tourism and consequently the local economy. Has this possible cost impact been estimated?”
As well as the concern locally, Mrs. Watson is also worried about what closure of the bridge to pedestrians will mean to tourism in Wales in general.
ENDS
Notes for editors
This was the letter that Joyce Watson sent to Gwynedd County Council
Dilwyn Williams
Chief Executive
Gwynedd County Council
Shirehall Street
Caernarfon
LL55 1SH
27th July 2015
Dear Mr Williams,
RE: Closing Barmouth Bridge to pedestrians
I have been contacted by constituents who are concerned to read that Gwynedd County Council is considering closing Barmouth Bridge to pedestrians to save £30,000.
Can you tell me if there is any truth in this story?
In a survey carried out by a local ramblers group, 50-60% of visitors said they came to walk. Closing the bridge to pedestrians will therefore have a negative impact on tourism and consequently the local economy. Has this possible cost impact been estimated?
Can you tell me if you have had any discussions with Network Rail to try to reduce the charge that they make for the right of way?
I will be writing to the Welsh Government Transport and Tourism Ministers to make them aware of this risk to access to the Wales Coastal Path and National Cycle Path.
I look forward to your early reply.
Yours sincerely,
Joyce Watson AM
