Wrexham Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has accused councillors of taking a ‘short term’ view after a vote to allow a car parking charging scheme to go ahead.
In a meeting on Tuesday, Councillors voted by 6-5 to defeat a motion which would have rejected the parking charges idea. However in a dramatic vote, the motion was defeated by 6-5 thanks to the casting vote of Liberal Democrat Council leader, Ron Davies.
Representatives of Wrexham businesses have come out against the plan.
The plan will now go forward for informal consultation.
Commenting on the vote, Lesley said:
“I am disappointed to see any further taxpayer money spent consulting on this flawed idea. To charge people to come to Wrexham sends out entirely the wrong message at this time.”
“Questions must be asked of the Plaid and Liberal Democrat councillors who saw fit to vote against the wishes of the business community, Wrexham shoppers and everyone whose jobs rely upon their custom.”
“It is clear that the Councillors who allowed this to this go ahead have taken a highly short term view. Who benefits from this plan? Not businesses in Wrexham, not shoppers, and not the Council in the long term – as their coffers will also be hit if more businesses in Wrexham close.”
