CHURCH goers have been hit with “upsetting” late-night parking fines.
People attending services and events at the United Reformed Church, Rhos-on-Sea claim signage at the council owned car park opposite the Colwyn Avenue church is unclear.
The sign states operational hours are between 8am-6pm and lists parking charges. Further down the sign there is evening and night information, which asks for a 50p charge between 6pm and 9am. Residents say this sign is unclear.
Rev. Kate Gartside said members of a visiting choir, who had given up their time to join the congregation for the recording of two services for BBC Radio Wales, had been fined recently. She said: "It is very upsetting for people. I can't really understand it especially as many of the Conwy council car parks are free after 6pm, including the one opposite Colwyn Bay theatre. It seems you can sing for free in the theatre, but have to pay to sing in the church.”
Ms Gartside said people have been fined on a number of occasions including a party who were attending a baptism and were unsure of the length of the service.
Terry Davies, a Rhos-on-Sea resident, had been doing recycling opposite the church last week and was “disgusted” to see wardens in the dark with torches fining church goers. He said: “I could hear this beautiful singing coming from the church. It was glorious. The church looks so nice with its new extension and I thought it was wonderful. Then I could see wardens with torches booking people. It was 6.50pm.”
“We are supposed to be a tourist destination and are trying to attract more people. Doing things like this will just stop people from coming to Rhos. The service must have been ruined for those poor people,” he added.
The United Reformed church was recently awarded a £40, 000 cash boost from landfill operator, WREN. It was recognised as a deserving community project and benefited from an extension and improved facilities with the funding.
Ms Gartside said she intends to write to the council. She said: “I know the wardens are just doing their job, but it is quite disturbing. I don't want to have to start a service by asking, ‘Have you put your tickets on your car."
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