Free parking to end at Wepre Park as charges approved

Free parking at a Flintshire beauty spot will end in May after the authority’s cabinet approved the introduction of car park fees.
Wepre Park is famous for its beautiful waterfall, diverse wildlife and as home to Ewloe Castle – believed to have been built initially by Llewellyn the Great around 1210 and completed by his grandson Llwelyn the Last around 1257 on the site of the Battle of Ewloe.
Visitors have always been able to park at this incredible pocket of history and nature in the heart of Connah’s Quay for free – but from May they will have to pay.
Council officers reported that an increase in visitors since the pandemic has increased wear and tear on the car park and the parking fees – which will bring in an estimated £28,000 per year – will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the area, easing one small burden on an authority which is facing a budget gap of around £47.5m.
Parking fees recommended by officers will be £1 for up to two hours, £2 for up to four hours, £4 for all day parking or £50 for a full year season permit. Installing payment machines at Wepre Park will cost an initial £20,000 with charged expected to be in place by May this year.
Councillors also approved the introduction of traffic management measures at both the Connah’s Quay and Ewloe entrances to Wepre Park to stop people who want to avoid the charges from parking for free on residential streets or the busy B5125.
By Alec Doyle – Local Democracy Reporter
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