Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

There's a Christmas bonus for shoppers to Llanelli town centre with free parking in Llanelli’s Murray Street Multi Storey from 10am on Monday, November 21. And the free parking will remain until a new car park is delivered as part of the £60million East Gate development. Signs at the entrances and exits to the 510 spaces multi storey car park will explain that parking is free after 10am for a period of four hours. The concession does not apply before 10am to prevent the car park spaces being taken up by office workers and traders. It was thought the Traffic Order variation might delay plans until January but Carmarthenshire Council’s transport team have found a way to enable the concession with immediate effect from Monday. Llanelli Chamber of Trade who campaigned for the free parking has welcomed the news. President, Andrew Stephens said: “This is the perfect pre Christmas shopping boost for the town.” Chamber life member David Craddock congratulated the council on its efforts. H...

Carmarthen parking meter bid scrapped | This is South Wales Controversial plans to put parking meters along a major Carmarthen street have been shelved. More than 1,500 people signed a petition to block the scheme, branded pointless and unnecessary by traders and councillors.

Carmarthenshire chiefs have hit back at claims that new parking charges will penalise disabled drivers in the county. They have defended plans to equalise charges for Blue Badge holders in Carmarthenshire car parks. The move is being looked at in a bid to make parking charges fairer for all, including families and those on low income. Officers say that mobility allowances are provided to help many disabled drivers cover parking charges, and the cost of parking in Carmarthenshire is already low compared with other areas. The county council has carried out research into parking charges across the country and other councils already charge, or are proposing similar changes. Staff say the move will also help to raise much needed income to maintain the county’s car parks, and keep them safe and secure, as well as helping to protect other key services during tough financial times. The proposal will be discussed by the authority’s Executive Board on Monday. Transport Executive Board Member cll...