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Vandals targeting signs at remote Anglesey beauty spot

29 May 2022 3 minute read
Penmon Beach. Photo by Diziet is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Dale Spridgeon, local democracy reporter

Signs warning camper vans and other vehicles against “no overnight stays” at a remote Anglesey beauty spot are regularly being removed or damaged.

The signs, which then have to be replaced, were put at parking areas close to the water’s edge  at Penmon after complaints.

In 2017 overnight parking was prohibited by the council, and a number of yellow signs put in place along the highway.

It affected three lay-bys,  beside the dramatic Penmon coastline, which have long been used by holiday makers taking in the spectacular views of the Menai Strait and mountains on the mainland.

The spots are also a popular with fisherman who park up overnight to catch the late and early tides.

However, residents say it is a “minority” of troublemakers who have caused problems with anti social behaviour, including loud music,  not the usual camper van sightseers  or fisherman.

Dumped

Since the ban, the signs have since been targeted at various times and frequently disappear, and some have been found dumped in the sea.

Without the signage, the council cannot enforce the restrictions.

A spokesperson for the Anglesey County Council said: “Following complaints in 2017 about overnight parking in Penmon,  the Authority introduced a Traffic Regulation Order that includes “Prohibition of Overnight Waiting”, on the highway, which ends just before the private road near Priory House and St Seiriol’s Church, at Penmon.

“In order for these restriction to be enforceable, relevant signs referring to the restriction must be present.

“Unfortunately, over the years, a few signs have been damaged or removed by individuals.

“The Authority uses its Term Maintenance Contractor, Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd, to supply, install and replace posts and signs.”

The council could not give the Local Democracy Reporting Service any indication of the frequency or cost of their replacement, saying the figures were “not in the public domain, as they form part of Alun Griffiths’ contract rate.”

One local resident said he was aware of at least six signs going missing, three smaller taken from the poles  and three larger ones on metal stands.

The resident said: “It is not the normal camper van people who cause trouble, they are generally respectful, and neither is it the fisherman, they are too busy fishing.

“One of the larger signs was fished out of the sea where it and its frame had been dumped.”

Another, resident who also wished to remain anonymous said “The signs disappear all the time,  then they are replaced,  and few a few weeks later they seem to go again!

“The number of camper vans that have been parking down there fluctuates, but at times there are quite a few down there. It is a popular area.

“Most of the people who camp there are not a problem,  but there have been  a few who have been noisy with music playing.”

Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd was contacted for comment.


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Y Cymro
Y Cymro
1 year ago

The same mindset no doubt attacked the Cofiwch Dryweryn memorial wall. Sadly you can’t legislate against stupidity. 🙄

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
1 year ago

Playground Wales.

Cynan
Cynan
1 year ago

Vandals… with caravans and motor homes. This isn’t bored pseudo-criminal kids. It is entitled older folks with the money to own a house on wheels but too tight to contribute to the economies they are a burden to

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