Senedd member Andrew RT Davies has accused the Vale of Glamorgan Council of “failing to support local people and local businesses” after they refused to meet with him and a constituent over a difficult parking matter in Barry.
The South Wales Central Senedd Member had written to the Labour-run Council after meeting Matthew Evans, owner of C & H Plumbing & Bathroom Supplies on Broad Street.
Mr Evans had faced significant parking issues that were having a toll on his business, a local firm that has been in the community for 30 years.
A lack of parking near the shop has caused hardship for the business, while new charging points installed just across the road are often empty, taking up further space for customers.
Evans previously told Barry and District News that the parking issues meant “customers are just leaving and going to bigger shops like Screw Fix” amid a dip in trade.
Mr Evans had written to the Council and the Vale of Glamorgan MP, but neither had been forthcoming.
The former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives then wrote to the Vale Council asking them to visit the site to see the parking issues and speak to Mr Evans about the impact on his local business.
Councillor Mark Wilson, the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said there was “no merit in a site meeting” over the issue.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said, “I’m really disappointed that the Council has made the decision to decline this meeting.
“By ignoring these concerns, they are failing to support local people and local businesses that help a community to thrive.
“This business has been here for decades, and we want to help local, ambitious people to build businesses up and trade locally.
“The Vale Council should realise that it’s businesses like this, not Council Cabinet members, who make the Vale tick.”
