Plaid Cymru Candidate for Clwyd South Mabon ap Gwynfor has accused Tory AM Darren Millar of being out of touch with the wishes of communities in the area in his campaign to turn the Clwydian Range into Wales’ latest National Park.
Darren Millar recently tabled a debate in the Senedd in Cardiff calling for the Clwydian Range to become a National Park. The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) are currently undertaking a consultation on whether the Clwydian Range’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) should be enhanced to include Ruabon and Llantysilio Mountains and the Vale of Llangollen from Chirk upstream to Corwen.
Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “Darren Millar is obviously out of touch with the rural communities covered by the Clwydian Range. They don’t want a National Park and for good reason – not only will it severely limit their ability to develop their businesses, but it would be run by representatives who have no interest or concern in the area, taking answerability and responsibility out of the hands of the communities that live within the area.
“The farming communities have legitimate concerns regarding the proposed AONB extension. I personally don’t believe that an AONB status would have a negative effect on their businesses, and could in fact boost the economic prospects of the area. However I agree wholeheartedly that a National Park is not wanted, and we should campaign vigorously against any proposal for a Clwydian Range National Park. Darren Millar and the Tories campaign for a National Park would bring an extra level of bureaucracy; would not be representative of the local communities; and would stunt any potential growth for agricultural businesses within the area. Rural Wales is a living vibrant community, not a playground for the rich.”
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Mabon ap Gwynfor 