Businesses concerned over car park closure

The Ladywell short stay car park on New Street in Newtown will close as a public pay and display car park on September 28.

However, it will remain open as a private car park.

A temporary notice will be placed on the existing pay and display machine in the car informing users that the car park is due to close.

Car park users will be directed to use the other public pay and display car parks at Back Lane and Gravel Lane.

Councillor Phyl Davies, cabinet member for highways, said it is because the council has been asked to surrender the lease by the landlord.

However, some businesses in the area say they are unhappy at the move.

Concern

County councillor Joy Jones has been speaking with traders who are concerned with how the council has presented the news.

She has moved to re-assure people the car park is still able to be used.

She said: "Powys put a poster up in the car park and retailers are beside themselves with worry that their businesses will be damaged

"It is only Powys that won't be getting the payments from it as it will now be private.

"By putting the headlines as they have it has caused concerns for the businesses that are running from Ladywell Centre. The car park will remain open for use so people can still park and shop in Ladywell Shopping Centre at this time."

The council said drivers will be directed to other car parks.

Councillor Davies added: "Although this car park will close, there is adequate parking spaces in the two long-stay car parks in the town at Back Lane and Gravel Lane for drivers to use.”