THE task to park at one of Llandudno's most popular event is set to becoming even harder.

Parking spots during Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza will be at a premium this year following a decision, made by the organisation committee, to close off vehicle access to the town hall car park in order to house a number of rides.

The closure will result in 1100 parking spaces not being available for use over the long weekend.

Chairperson of the Llandudno Hospitality Association Berin Jones said: "We highly support the extravaganza and consider it the most important event on the Llandudno calendar.

"They (organisers) should be making changes that add to the events success not putting barriers up. This will be a potentially damaging step for the extravaganza."

Mr Jones said it wouldn't be just visitors to the Victorian Extravaganza affected, but resident shoppers and people out for a coffee or a meal at one of Llandudno's many restaurants.

Event organiser Chris Williams said the decision had not simply been made overnight, but had been in the pipeline since last September.

The decision came in an attempt to move rides and attractions away from Trinity Square while also working to promote Llandudno businesses by not covering them up.

Mr Williams said: "We are trying to go back to its roots. We had something like 123 rides last year and have cut it back to about 57 this year. We are trying to be highly considerate to the shops this year by having no fun houses obscuring or covering up shop fronts."

He said although they had considerably reduced the amount of rides this year, they still needed some to appeal to younger audiences and make sure the event turns a profit allowing it to continue for years to come.

Town Councillor and former mayor cllr Carol Marubbi said there were other alternatives that could be considered including park and ride stations, which she said had been used for other events in the county, although she was still concerned about the reduction in the amount of parking for the event.

Cllr Marubbi said: "I understand why they are doing it, but I don't agree with it."

Despite the carpark situation Mr Williams said this year's Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza was going to be the "best one in years".

He added: "We are all really excited about it."