Visitors and tourism leaders have expressed anger over plans to shut down three visitor centres in well-loved Welsh beauty spots. National Resources Wales (NRW) is proposing to close the visitor centres at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas near Aberystwyth, and Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau as part of cost-saving measures. NRW aims to save £13 million from its budget and anticipates a total of 265 job losses.
The closure of these centres is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, environment, and community well-being. Despite NRW assuring that the sites will still be accessible for walking and biking activities, concerns have been raised by tourism leaders, mountain bike groups, and over 90 other organisations and businesses from the Welsh mountain bike sector.
A letter signed by various groups highlights their apprehension about the potential repercussions of these closures, emphasising the negative effects on local businesses that rely on visitor traffic generated by the centres. The letter underscores how temporary closures could lead to a decline in trail usage and subsequently affect accommodation providers, restaurants, and outdoor adventure companies in the area.
The petition opposing the closure of the visitor centres garnered significant support, with 13,210 signatures debated by the Senedd’s petition committee. Additionally, a separate petition specific to Ynyslas received 2,442 signatures. Politicians such as Peter Fox, Luke Fletcher, and Rhys ab Owen have voiced concerns about the impact of the closures, citing the importance of these centres to local communities and the wider economy.
NRW CEO Clare Pillman explained that the organisation is facing financial constraints and is re-evaluating its operations to align with its corporate goals. While the proposal includes the closure of catering and retail services at the visitor centres, NRW aims to work with partners to explore alternative solutions and preserve essential services.
Despite the financial challenges, stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive assessment of the closures’ broader impact on the local economy and the principles of conservation. The debate around the closure of these visitor centres underscores the delicate balance between financial sustainability and the preservation of vital community assets in Wales.