August 13, 2026 - 100 views
Plans to widen parts of the pavement along Prestatyn High Street should be scrapped, according to Clwyd MS Darren Millar.
Denbighshire County Council is leading a £3 million-plus regeneration project for Prestatyn High Street, funded by the UK Government.
The scheme includes plans to widen selected footpaths in the centre of the High Street. However, opponents say the changes would result in the loss of around 20 parking spaces and leave a significant section of the town centre without nearby parking.
Darren Millar says the reduction in parking could have a damaging impact on local businesses and make it more difficult for residents to access the High Street.
He is particularly concerned about the effect on older people and those with limited mobility, who may find it difficult to walk from alternative car parks to the shops.
The proposals could also affect events currently held along the High Street, including the popular Prestatyn Classic Car Show.
The MS says the proposals have received a negative response from residents and businesses and has written to Denbighshire County Council asking for the pavement-widening plans to be abandoned.
Darren Millar said: “I very much welcome the investment in Prestatyn High Street, but these proposals to widen the pavements are the wrong approach.
“Prestatyn is currently a thriving town which is accessible to all, and we need to ensure that it stays that way.
“Local shops and businesses rely on people being able to stop, park and spend money in the town and these changes will deter them from doing this.”
He also referred to a recent poll conducted on Facebook which he says demonstrated public opposition to the proposals.
He is calling on the council to reconsider the plans and carry out a fresh assessment of how the High Street could be improved while protecting parking provision.
“Regeneration should strengthen Prestatyn High Street, not create additional barriers for those who want to shop, work and visit there,” he said.
Prestatyn councillor Anton Sampson has also criticised the proposals.
He says that while a consultation has taken place, concerns raised by residents have not been adequately addressed.
Cllr Sampson says he has been contacted by disabled residents who are concerned that removing parking close to the High Street could make the town less accessible rather than improving accessibility.
He said: “Many people with disabilities have benefited from being able to park close to our high street shops. Our high street is on a steep hill and walking from the nearest car park is not an option for many.”
He estimates that around 20 parking spaces could be lost under the proposals.
Cllr Sampson says that could put additional pressure on businesses already operating in a challenging retail environment.
“Losing 20 or so parking spaces is totally unacceptable and would be another kick in the teeth for our struggling high street businesses and would force more people to shop in the retail park, thus ignoring our high street.”
He says the investment was intended to improve Prestatyn's High Street and make it more attractive to shoppers and visitors.
“Levelling up funding was intended to enhance our high street and make it more attractive to shoppers and visitors, not to make it worse.”
The regeneration project is being funded through UK Government Levelling Up funding, with Denbighshire County Council responsible for delivering the improvements.
The debate centres on how the High Street can be modernised and made more attractive while maintaining convenient access for shoppers, residents and businesses.
Mr. Millar is now calling on the council to return to the drawing board before the planned works progress further.
