Car parking charges – MADNESS!

UPDATE. Over 200 people signed our petition opposing car parking charges in the town centre. Thanks to you. Will Labour-led Carmarthenshire Council take any notice? I wouldn't hold your breath!

We must do all we can to have a town centre we can all be proud of in Llanelli. We’ve lost so much – and the signs aren't good for the future.

While I accept that there's no silver bullet - a few things could be done NOW!

A key issue is definitely the car parking charges that the Labour-led Carmarthenshire Council have imposed on the town centre – even those working/running shops and stalls have to pay.

Having met shop owners and market stall holders over several months it’s clear to me that the car parking charges have been and continue to be severely detrimental to the town centre itself.

Of greater concern has been the attitude of the Labour Party locally regarding this issue. With an elected Labour official tweeting constantly “£1.20, 1.20” clearly not understanding the concept of the charges at all. For example £1.20 + £1.00 for your paper is £2.20 etc. 

In fact an official member of Nia Griffith’s campaign team went as far as to suggest that car parking charges have HELPED town centres (yes you read that right!) – this is a real worry. Perhaps this is Labour’s view? 

Is there any wonder we’re in such a mess if that’s Labour’s answer? 93 years and counting. SCRAP THE CHARGES!

We must reduce business rates, scrap the car parking charges and do all we can to promote the town – Labour are wrong the penalise people for wanting to support the town. I fully support, and would welcome working closely with those opposed to these damaging, narrow-minded charges.

The key is the local economy, let's get people into the town - spending money locally - LET'S HAVE SOME AMBITION!

Plaid Cymru have pledged to lift thousands of small firms in Wales struggling to pay business rates out of paying the tax altogether.

More than 3,000 small businesses in Wales that fell into debt over their business rates would be taken out of paying non-domestic rates altogether under plans.

We’ve also pledged to scrap business rates for all enterprises with a rateable value of under £10,000 relief with those between £10,000 and £15,000 also seeing their bills reduced.

A Freedom of Information request by the party reveals that more than 3,000 businesses with a rateable value of under £10,000 had liability orders issued against them for non-payment over the past three years.

They are among 70,000 businesses that would be taken out of the rates system.

Business rates in Wales are being devolved to the Welsh Government next year.

Now is the time to lobby! The fight goes on!

TWITTER @Vaughan_Wms