With Snowdonia National Park Authority on the verge of being forced to make radical changes which would drastically change the National Park, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has been fighting to secure funding for the Authority.
This follows the intention of the Welsh Government to cut the National Park’s budget by half a million pounds.
Commenting on the situation, Janet said:
“The proposed cut is one of the greatest threats the continued operation of the Authority, and our greatest National Park has ever seen.
“I have spoken out about the plight of Snowdonia in the Senedd before the end of term, and have been communicating with the First Minister since.
“It has been made clear to the Finance Minister and First Minister that should they peruse the cut, there would be devastating changes.
“These include paths on Snowdon not being repaired; closure of all three information centres; the end of the Sherpa bus; closure of public toilets; loss of staff; and serious questions about the financial sustainability of the Authority.
“The above changes would set the Authority on course to miss Welsh Government priorities for national parks in Wales, such as the need to encourage, provide for and manage responsible outdoor recreation opportunities, and work towards the provision of fit for purpose places and facilities which are consistent in standard with the spectacular landscapes they serve.
“More so, the cut would also see the Welsh Labour Government stabbing the heart of the Welsh tourist industry.
“I have been raising the alarm for almost two months now, but the Welsh Government has given to assurances.
“Ministers and officials will be considering the situation further over the coming weeks, so if you feel as passionately as I do about the future of the National Park, please do let me know by writing to janet.finch-saunders@assembly.wales so that I may share your views with the Welsh Government too”.
ENDS
Notes:
Business Statement on 9 July 2019
Letter to the First Minister 22 July 2019
Letter from the First Minister 13 August 2019
Letter to the First Minister 21 August 2019
