Mold firms in show of support for car park charge tweak

Several price increases introduced at car parks in Mold town centre earlier this year were met with opposition from both shoppers and traders who were concerned about how it would impact visitor numbers.

Following the feedback, Flintshire Council has announced all short stay car parks in Mold are now £1 for three hours instead of two and the authority has pledged to ensure limits on 30 minute parking bays are enforced to make more spaces available.

The Leader spoke with business owners and shoppers in the town centre to get their views.

Bronwen Hignett, aged 42 and from Nercwys, said: "It was a problem when it went down to two hours.

"I go to a mums group for a coffee and I used to do my shopping afterwards but I had to stop that when the times changed so I wasn't spending as much money in the town centre.

"I'm pleased it has gone back but it is still pricey."

Eleanor Brown, aged 61 and from Mold, said: "The way it will help me is parking at Theatr Clwyd.

"Two hours for a pound didn't cover the time needed to see a performance, but the three will."

Carl Grech from Llandegla, who runs CJ’s Butchers in Daniel Owen Square, told the Leader: "I think it will be a big help.

"A lot of people have been saying it makes them consider shopping elsewhere.

"It is a big thing for all the shops - it will make a difference in bringing people to Mold."

Simon Price, owner of Jones Price greengrocers, told the Leader he welcomed the news, adding: "Surely if they made the parking as easy as possible for people that would bring more people to the town and fill more of the empty units.

"Town centres are competing with the big supermarkets which often have free parking."

Anne Aukland, owner of Yarn O'Clock wool shop, said: "I think the footfall in the town definitely went down when the parking changes came in, so this is a good thing.

"It gives people more time to wander around and have a look in shops that they might not have before."