Crickhowell has been the focus of a growing wave of anger over proposals from Powys County Council to introduce additional double yellow lines and limited waiting restrictions around the town.

Businesses fear the move would seriously affect trade while many residents are concerned they would no longer be able to park outside their own homes.

Following a meeting with North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency, the county council's Breconshire Committee considered a report called 'Traffic Management – A40T Parking Restrictions and Crickhowell Parking Review' in January which, if successful, would restrict parking in several streets within Crickhowell, including High Street and Llanbedr Road.

A council spokesperson said, "Following a review of parking in Crickhowell, the council is proposing to introduce limited waiting restrictions, prohibition of waiting at any time restrictions and slight amendments to existing waiting restrictions. The local county councillor and town council were involved with the review."

According to the council, the overall aim is to prevent inconsiderate parking, trading within the highway and congestion on trunk and county roads.

But local people argue there is not enough parking now for the visitors coming to Crickhowell to shop and enjoy the old town and that the proposed restrictions will make matters much worse and will seriously damage trade.

Shops have been displaying a flyer which draws attention to the issue. A petition, which was also sent around the shops and attracted hundreds of signatures, was forwarded to Powys county council yesterday (March 12).

An online petition, which has also received more than 220 signatures, stated: "The reduction in the number of car parking spaces as a result of the above will have a severely detrimental impact on the vibrancy of Crickhowell's high street which, over time, will impact on the area's economy. The town already has a lack of parking facilities and the imposition of the proposed regulations will put these facilities under further pressure. 

"Residents will also feel the impact of not being able to park near their homes. This will be of significant detriment to our older/frailer residents and families."

Roger White, a local resident, said that a major concern was the lack of consultation.

He said the council had published sixteen draft orders for prohibition of waiting (double yellow lines) and three for restriction of waiting (for no more than one hour). 

"Notices were tied to street posts saying that the draft orders and the reasons for them could be examined at the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre and that any objections should be sent by March 13. There was no prior consultation with those affected," he said. 

He said there was also a concern that the introduction of double yellow lines would encourage vehicles to move faster around the town, with a substantial increase in the risk to pedestrians where there is no pavement.

Mr White added that, like many in the town, he did not have a private garage and relied on the existing on-street parking for his car.

"Without this I really don't know just how far away from my home I would have to park. If they introduce double yellow lines on all of these roads outside our properties it could be a huge imposition on us residents."

Residents and traders alike were 'up in arms' about the proposals, he said.

County councillor Chris Davies said: "I have been contacted by many residents and shop keepers in the town who have enormous concerns over the parking proposals being put forward by Powys CC.

"Having walked around Crickhowell with local residents looking at where the restrictions will be imposed, it is clear that these proposals will have a devastating effect on the town. It will encourage visitors to go elsewhere, when we want them to stop in the locality.It looks as if a desktop exercise has been carried out at County Hall and superimposed on the streets of Crickhowell.

"I am calling on Powys Highways to scrap these proposals and listen to the people involved in the town. We need strong vibrant towns in Powys to attract both residents and visitors and putting in such obstructions will drive people out of our towns".

Powys County Council has insisted that any objections will be carefully considered before a final decision is made.