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My colleagues and I work for a major employer
on the North Wales coast and we are, albeit local, frequent visitors to
the park. The company's success is in large part due to the presence of
highly trained individuals whose retention as employees is in many cases
made possible by the proximity of the national park. A high proportion of
the employees belong to walking groups or are rock climbers, canoeists or
mountain bikers. Restrictions on the use of the park particularly in
after-work hours on long summer evenings would substantially reduce the
attraction of living and working here, and might even lead to these
individuals leaving for better paid positions elsewhere, to the detriment
of the company. The effect of these restrictions in reducing employment
might, therefore, be felt not only in the park, but as a ripple effect
spreading out into surrounding communities, such as those on the North
Wales coast.
(I would like to emphasise that the
above is expressed as a personal opinion and is not submitted on behalf of
the company. Nevertheless, these views are shared by the vast majority of
my colleagues).
There are a few other points and questions
I would like to raise:
- Assuming that income generated by the
park and ride scheme is lower than expected due to overestimation of
use, or expenses are greater, and the scheme runs at a loss, who picks
up the bill? Would it be paid by the rate payers of Conwy and Gwynedd
counties?
- What arrangements are going to be made
for launching of canoes and other boats in the affected area?
- Will exceptions be granted to vehicles
from school sponsored outdoor pursuits programmes, or will they be
subjected to extra charges over what they currently pay, as well as
having to abide by proposed time restrictions?
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