URGENT work to improve disabled bays in Pwllheli’s car parks is set to begin this summer after an 18-month delay.
Town councillors in Pwllheli have been calling for Gwynedd Council to make changes to the size of the disabled bays, in particular at Penlan car park, after receiving complaints that some members of the public were finding it difficult to get out of their car when another vehicle was parked beside them.
Guidelines provided by the code BSI 8300 say that disabled spaces should be 2,400mm by 4,800m with access zones marked and 1,200m wide on either side and at the rear, which is not the case for the spaces at Penlan car park.
An urgent meeting has been held with Pwllheli Town Council and work is now set to begin on several car parks in the town to improve parking spaces.
Cllr Jonathan Roberts, who is one of the councillors who has been campaigning for nearly two years for better parking for the disabled in the town has welcomed the news that work is finally to begin.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted with the news that all of this work is being commenced.
“We are hoping that the work on the parking bays will start in May or June.
“The disabled bays are being redesigned in Penlan Street car park, a section of the car park will also be turned into a short-stay area for people who need to just pop into town to do a quick shop, and the worst areas of decay are being resurfaced.
“On the Maes, the disabled bays are increasing in number and will be properly marked, and in Cardiff Road car park the disabled bays are being refreshed along with the front of the car park.
“While there will be a couple of days disruption for the regular users of Penlan car park it will be well worth it.”
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Following the meeting on Wednesday, 16 March, with representatives from Pwllheli Town Council, work will be scheduled to improve disabled parking provision in the Penlan car park, as well as the short-stay provision and other essential maintenance work.
“In addition, the council will be repainting the parking bays in the Cardiff Road car park and providing additional disabled bays at this location and the Maes car park in the town.”