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I feel compelled to write to you regarding the
above initiative to voice my objections to substantial sections of the
proposals.
North Wales, and in particular the areas
directly surrounding Snowdon, has played a significant role in my climbing
career for the last 16 years and I could only guess at the vast number of
visits I have undertaken during this time but within an average year I
would expect to visit the area at least 6 or 7 times.
During this time I have on many occasions
parked in the very locations that are now under proposal to be restricted
through either their closure or by time restrictions. The implementation
of these restrictions would, I believe, be a significant deterrent to many
of my fellow climbers, walkers and Mountain Bikers as well as myself and
would lead to visits to places other than Snowdonia in preference. This
would only deprive the very businesses that I rely on when I stay in the
area of substantial income at all times of the year.
The provision of further Park and Ride
facilities and a reliable bus service would be very welcome and I believe
a valuable resource to the more casual tourist who is flexible enough to
be guided in their activity. Additionally, it would prove useful to the
climbing and walking community although only if it was more viable and
reliable than the current system. However, any provision of bus service
could not replace the current facility to park for long periods at key
locations (such as but certainly not limited to) the Llanberis Pass and
the Ogwen Valley and the significant role it plays in facilitating
climbing and walking in the area.
I have read various other correspondence
sent and published on this matter and believe the arguments against
individual and specific sections of the proposal have been well presented
and hence I do not propose to present further critique here. However,
please be under no misunderstanding as to my position regarding these
proposals. I believe they have some valid ideas (additional bus services)
but that unless these are 'de-linked' from the significant and drastic
restrictions that are proposed as well then there will be a dramatic
reduction on the attractiveness of Snowdonia as a climbing/walking/outdoor
activity area and it will lose significant numbers of the visitors that
come all year round and contribute significantly to the various business
in the area.
I hope that through the various
consultation periods relating to these proposals it becomes clear what
effect there would be on the area and it's visitors and that the correct
action is taken to scrap the proposals as they stand.
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