LLANRWST town councillor, Cllr Mostyn Jones, has spoken out in frustration at the lack of action by Conwy County Borough Council to protect Gwydir Park almost four months after a group of people used the park as a campsite.

On the weekend beginning August 12, several cars, tents, and camper vans gained access to the park, and used it as a free campsite.

At the time, the council advised that it was their responsibility as landowner to ask the campers to leave, and if they refused, legal action would then have to be pursued.

While the individuals left at the end of the weekend, and no legal action was required, the council made clear that a more effective way of keeping the park vehicle-free was needed.

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On August 15, one of the town’s county councillors publicly said that “a metal box will be welded around the padlock this week to protect it”.

Cllr Jones is disappointed that, as of December 6, there is no padlock nor welded box, and the main entrance to the park from the carpark remains open and unlocked.

He said: “Our public spaces should be there for enjoyment by all and not selfishly taken over by a pop-up caravan site.

“The primary route through which vehicles gained access to the park was via a gate in the carpark.

“So, to reduce the risk of the incident happening again, a promise was made that a metal box would be welded around the padlock on the gate that same week.

“It is unacceptable that, almost four months later, there is no sign of the welded box nor padlock.

“Our community deserves a better service from Conwy County Borough Council.

“When considering that one of the town’s county councillors is in the cabinet, it is extraordinary that Llanrwst is still not receiving the attention it deserves, and that this and other matters are taking to long to resolve.”

In response, a Conwy County Borough Council spokesperson said: “The gate is being used regularly by contractors working on new toilet facilities for Gwydir Park.

“There is a padlock for the gate and we have asked the contractors to be vigilant in locking up when they finish work.

“We received an online report from the town councillor on Sunday, December 4, and we are looking into the issues raised.

“We aim to respond to reports of this kind within 10 working days.”