TRADERS are ready to jump on board a Llandudno Park and Ride scheme.
Mostyn Street businesses claim an Arriva proposal to ease Summer Saturday traffic by introducing a bus project, will bring tourists into the town.
They say problems with parking, the development of an out of town retail park and the impact of the recession, has hit businesses hard.
According to traders Arriva Wales hope to partly fund the project by inviting traders to advertise on the Park and Ride bus.
The suggested pick-up site would be Coleg Llandrillo, which was used during this year’s Victorian Extravaganza and proved popular.
Sue Morris, owner of Merrymoon, Upper Mostyn Street, said she would be willing to invest in advertising, if the project will bring shoppers to the top end of Llandudno. She said: “The pier, the Orme and most of the town’s attractions are all at the top of the town. Arriva seemed quite hopeful.
“They said getting businesses to sponsor the bus would be one option, and I am sure the council would be willing to help. Nearly every town in the UK has a Park and Ride and it is perfect when you are visiting a place,” she added.
Peter Garbutt, proprietor of the Old Bank Gallery, is a member of Llandudno Access Group, a project which was set up by traders in the town. The group hope to boost tourism and have already suggested potential Park and Ride sites to the council, including the college and Ysgol John Bright. He said: “Traffic has been terrible since the closure of the bridge. It would be a wonderful initiative and I am pleased to see something may be done. It is great news.
He suggested three bus stops should be introduced, outside Parc Llandudno, in the town centre and a stop on Upper Mostyn Street. Mr Garbutt added: “Llandudno has the wow factor and we will work to keep it going.”
Park and Ride schemes have been successful in town and city centres across the UK including Chester.
Sue Nash, manager of the Victoria Centre, said the project would be positive for the town, but called for a pick-up point closer to the Llandudno centre. She said: “Maybe picking up on the promenade or the A470 would be better. The college is in a built up area and that could just cause more problems with congestion.”
Llandudno town councillor Doreen Websell added a Park and Ride is “long overdue.”
A spokesman for Arriva confirmed the company has supported the scheme, which was originally proposed by a local business group. He said: “We will maintain our dialogue with the local authority in the area and will continue to look into all opportunities with our partners regarding bus services in the area”
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