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Wales Online
26-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Barbecues banned at Welsh beach after 'near misses' that left 'everyone massively concerned'
Barbecues banned at Welsh beach after 'near misses' that left 'everyone massively concerned' Campfires are already forbidden, but this rule is often flouted. Now a new crackdown has been launched on barbecues as one local said: 'It worries me sick, it really does' A warden scans the beach and forest for illegal camping, BBQs and camp fires (Image: NRW ) BBQs and campfires have been officially prohibited at one of Wales' most cherished beaches, following a spate of 15 fire-related incidents at the wooded Traeth Llandwyn in Anglesey over a single weekend. The beloved beach is situated against the backdrop of the expansive, 2,500-acre Newborough Forest, which is currently at high risk of fire after a prolonged period of dry weather. The potential devastation to the forest and the threat to nearby homes has prompted residents of the neighbouring village of Newborough to call for stricter fire safety measures. Campfires are already forbidden, but this rule is often flouted. While there is a designated barbecue area in the beach car park, local concerns that it may encourage irresponsible behaviour have led to plans to dismantle it soon, replacing it with a picnic spot instead. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Community members have circulated images of "near-miss" fires that came dangerously close to engulfing the entire forest. The careless disposal of still-hot disposable BBQs has also been flagged as reckless behaviour, reports North Wales Live. NRW wardens make visitors extinguish a fire on the beach (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group ) Article continues below Last month, Cathy Sands, a local resident, expressed her worries: "Everyone is massively concerned. If the forest burns, so will crops in the fields and then our homes. It worries me sick, it really does." Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which manages the forest and beach – both part of a National Nature Reserve – has ramped up its efforts to deter illegal camping and BBQs, heeding the urgent appeals from the community. The final straw came when wardens had to work late into the evenings one weekend in May, dealing with 15 fires and BBQs, ensuring they were extinguished. They also spent "hours" speaking with campers, explaining why overnight stays and open flames were not allowed. Online, the wardens said: "Thankfully, most people responded positively and packed up when reminded of the rules." However, the persistent threat has prompted NRW to declare Newborough Forest and its beach officially a fire-free zone. Traeth Llanddwyn (Image: Google maps ) Justin Hanson, NRW's north west team leader, said: "Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is a much-loved and ecologically important site. We're listening to local concerns and doing all we can to minimise risks. "With warm, dry weather increasing the risk of wildfire, we're asking everyone to respect the rules and help protect what makes this place so special. Visitors are reminded to take litter home, leave no trace, bring a picnic and never light fires or BBQs – especially during dry spells. Local signage and fire warnings should always be followed." Fires pose a threat not only to homes and the countryside but also to the area's rare wildlife. Newborough's beach, forest, and dunes provide a habitat for species such as the red squirrel, great crested newt, and the sand lizard. Article continues below NRW added: "It's vital we keep this place safe for them and for future generations to enjoy."
North Wales Live
21-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
BBQ ban at iconic North Wales beach where people are 'worried sick'
BBQs and camp fires have been formally banned at one of Wales' most popular beaches. It follows 15 fire-related incidents at tree-lined Traeth Llandwyn, Anglesey, over the weekend. The iconic beach is backed by 2,500-acre Newborough Forest, currently tinder-dry after weeks of dry weather. Fearing the forest's destruction, and impacts on nearby homes, worried residents in the nearby village of Newborough have long campaigned for greater fire curbs. Camp fires are already banned but this is routinely ignored. A BBQ area is provided in the beach car park but, concerned this sends out the wrong message, the facility is to be removed in the coming weeks and replaced with a picnic area. Local people have shared photos of 'near-miss' fires that threatened to consume the entire forest. The 'idiotic' binning of still-smouldering disposable BBQs has also been highlighted. Last month, resident Cathy Sands told North Wales Live: 'Everyone is massively concerned. If the forest burns, so will crops in the fields and then our homes. It worries me sick, it really does.' The forest and beach, a National Nature Reserve, is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). In recent weeks, in response to calls from alarmed locals, its wardens have been actively discouraging illegal camping and BBQs. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now But last weekend was the final straw. Over the two days, wardens worked late into the evenings, dealing with 15 fires and BBQs and ensuring they were extinguished. They also spent 'hours' speaking with campers, explaining why overnight stays and open flames are not allowed. Online, the wardens said: 'Thankfully most people responded positively and packed up when reminded of the rules.' However the ongoing threat has now forced NRW to introduce changes making Newborough Forest and its beach an officially a fire-free area. Justin Hanson, NRW's north west team leader, said: 'Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is a much-loved and ecologically important site. We're listening to local concerns and doing all we can to minimise risks. 'With warm, dry weather increasing the risk of wildfire, we're asking everyone to respect the rules and help protect what makes this place so special. Visitors are reminded to take litter home, leave no trace, bring a picnic and never light fires or BBQs – especially during dry spells. Local signage and fire warnings should always be followed.' As well as threatening homes and the countrywide, fire is a risk to the area's rare wildlife. Newborough's beach, forest and dunes are home to species like the red squirrel, great crested newt and the sand lizard. Online, NRW added: 'It's vital we keep this place safe for them and for future generations to enjoy.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday
Wales Online
26-04-2025
- Wales Online
Residents 'trapped' in Welsh village because tourists make it impossible to leave
Residents 'trapped' in Welsh village because tourists make it impossible to leave Fed-up residents in Anglesey, have vowed to take matters into their own hands if the authorities fail to act on a problem that's been blighting their village for years The crossroads at the centre of Newborough (Image: Dale Spridgeon ) The picturesque coastal village of Newborough, Anglesey has once again been overwhelmed by a deluge of traffic as visitors flock to the iconic tree-lined beach of Traeth Llanddwyn. Residents, exasperated by years of disruption, are now threatening to take action if the authorities don't step in to address the issue. The village has been plagued by littering, public defecation and illegal camping, which poses a fire hazard in the sprawling 2,500-acre Newborough Forest. However, it's the volume of traffic that causes the biggest challenge for locals trying to cope with the effects of over tourism. On Easter Sunday, reports emerged of it taking residents up to 40 minutes to cover the last half-mile into Newborough due to severe congestion. Mourners also struggled to make their way to St Peter's Church for a funeral service amidst the chaos. Article continues below With the aim of reaching the scenic 300-space car park at Traeth Llanddwyn, many found themselves stuck in queues along the 1.8-mile access road or resorting to illegal parking on the A4080 next to the forest. Cathy Sands, who manages the local Facebook page, expressed her frustration: "The Easter Bank Holiday weekend was an absolute farce," she said. "Once again, traffic brought the village to a standstill as visitors used it as a giant car park to queue for the beach." "The place was rammed. Cars were bumper to bumper – it was an accident waiting to happen. This has been going for years but it's getting worse and starting earlier in the year." Gridlock on Easter Sunday left locals saying the village turned into a "giant car park" (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group ) Over the weekend, locals were left seething as a half-mile stretch of the A4080 between Newborough and Malltraeth was clogged with cars double-parked on double yellow lines. The situation escalated with vehicles cramming into residential areas and obstructing driveways, leaving some residents effectively imprisoned in their own homes throughout Sunday - a scenario that is all too familiar on busy days. The introduction of double yellow lines on the A4080 back in June 2021 was meant to address these parking woes, but not everyone was pleased, as it stopped some locals from parking close to their homes. Cathy continued: "Since then, traffic wardens have visited the area just once. For the double-yellow lines to be effective, they must be properly policed. When they were put down, we were assured this would happen – but it hasn't." "At the forest, people were even parking across entrances reserved for the emergency services. Fire is a real risk there and the fire service needs good access to prevent the worst from happening." Anglesey Council responded to allegations of insufficient traffic wardening. In a statement, Huw Percy, the Head of Highways, Waste and Property, said: "Civil enforcement officers have regularly monitored the area, including last weekend, issuing penalty charge notices upon vehicles which are parked on yellow lines and within restricted bays, caused obstructions or compromised safety." Last week an out-of-control campsite fire spread to surrounding vegetation in Newborough Forest (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group ) Subsequently, the council provided further clarification regarding Easter enforcement, a spokesperson said: "A parking warden visited Newborough on three separate occasions over the Easter weekend, each at different times. "During these visits, no issues were identified that fell within the Council's enforcement remit, and as such, no fines were issued. We continue to monitor the area, particularly during periods of good weather when higher visitor numbers are expected. "We welcome input from the community regarding specific times and locations where enforcement may be needed and are keen to work collaboratively to address any concerns." Many locals are urging the council to adopt an approach similar to those in Cyngor Gwynedd's near Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and in the Ogwen Valley within Eryri (Snowdonia), with suggestions of towing away improperly parked cars. Meanwhile, potential solutions such as park-and-ride services and overflow parking are being considered by NRW and its partners. In recent weeks, local NRW wardens have been praised for cracking down on illegal camping in the forest, although the risk of fires remains a concern for the community. Newborough was overwhelmed by cars trying to reach the beach (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group ) The village is in urgent need of traffic improvements. One resident expressed her frustration after getting caught in the chaos on Sunday, saying: "Gridlock in Pen-lôn, gridlock coming from Malltraeth to Newborough, gridlock around the village. Took me 30 minutes to get from Tre Rhosyr to Pen Rhos (two streets in the village 0.3 miles apart)! Summer not even here yet! God help us all." Another resident shared that her father had an easier time getting to Llandudno on Sunday than travelling from Pen-lôn to Newborough, which took him 50 minutes. Traffic management contractors at Church Street beach road had to turn away other beachgoers, facing a barrage of abuse for their efforts. Cathy said: "The abuse they got was horrific. Some of the language was terrible." Tourists were keen to reach the stunning Llanddwyn beach (Image: Crown copyright/Visit Wales (all rights reserved) ) In a bid to tackle traffic woes, Anglesey Council recently received a £2.4m boost from the Welsh Government to progress with stage two of an active travel scheme linking Malltraeth and Newborough. The plan is to extend the Lon Las Cefni network, encouraging residents to walk or cycle, in hopes of reducing congestion. Despite this, some locals remain sceptical. Mr Percy said the Isle of Anglesey County Council is well aware of Llanddwyn's growing popularity and its effects on the community. He said: "The Isle of Anglesey County Council recognises that Llanddwyn has become an increasingly popular destination and is aware of the impact this is having on the local community." "To help manage this, the authority is supporting NRW in expanding parking provision over the summer months, and remains committed to working with partners and residents on a longer-term solution to ease congestion - though it is acknowledged this will take time. While some Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn beach villagers are calling for restricted access to non-locals, the majority are simply seeking solutions, emphasising they are not against tourists. However, their patience has been tested when they've encountered human waste in the area. The public toilets in the village have been shut for over a decade, and despite a recent consultation in support of their reopening, locals have been informed that the costs are too high. Speaking to North Wales Live, one resident recounted a disturbing incident: "A friend was recently walking along the beach when he trod on human excrement buried beneath a thin layer of sand. He knew it was human because of all the tissue paper buried with it." "We're seeing more and more of it in the area because people have no where to go. It's not very pleasant! It was disappointing to see the public toilets won't be reopened. Not for our sakes – we all have toilets at home! Having such a facility here would make it a more pleasant experience for visitors." Currently, the site of the former toilets is being used as a parking area, with a recent consultation suggesting further development of this use. Proposals include reserving parking exclusively for locals or allowing mixed use, but all options would involve demolishing the existing toilet block. Article continues below However, Mr Percy has indicated that the decision to reopen the toilets is still open for consideration, stating: "The public toilets have been closed since 2011-12 with the site currently serving only as a parking area for limited local use. "The council has recently engaged with stakeholders, including local residents, to gain a better understanding of the community's needs and to explore potential improvements for the site. However, it is unlikely that opening the public toilets would influence or have an impact on the behaviours of some visitors in the forestry.
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Angry villagers 'trapped at home' as tourists gridlock Anglesey beach
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A coastal village again found itself marooned in a sea of traffic as vistors surged to an iconic tree-lined beach. Fed-up residents in Newborough, Anglesey, have vowed to take matters into their own hands if the authorities fail to act on a problem that's been blighting their village for years. Littering is a constant gripe, tempers often flare and villagers report growing amounts of human excrement out in the open. Illicit camping is a fire risk at 2,500-acre Newborough Forest, which provides a picturesque backdrop to Traeth Llanddwyn and its tidal island. But it is traffic that poses the greatest disruption risk to a community grappling with overtourism. On Easter Sunday, some locals reported taking 40 minutes to drive the final half-mile into Newborough after getting caught up in tailbacks. Mourners reportedly struggled to reach St Peter's Church for a funeral service. Much of the traffic was attempting to reach the 300-space beach car park at photogenic Traeth Llanddwyn. It's one of seven car parks within Newborough Forest but all fill quickly on sunny days. Late arrivals queued along a 1.8-mile access road to the beach or parked illegally on the A4080 by the forest. 'The Easter Bank Holiday weekend was an absolute farce,' said Cathy Sands, who runs the area's Facebook page. 'Once again, traffic brought the village to a standstill as visitors used it as a giant car park to queue for the beach. 'The place was rammed. Cars were bumper to bumper – it was an accident waiting to happen. This has been going for years but it's getting worse and starting earlier in the year. What we experienced last weekend was as bad as it's ever been – we're dreading what will happen during the summer holiday season.' Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community At the weekend, residents reported cars double-parked on double yellow lines stretching half-a-mile along the A4080 between Newborough and Malltraeth. Some villagers were left fuming as visitors parked in residential streets and blocked driveways. Several residents reported being trapped at home for much of Sunday - and said this wasn't uncommon on busy days. (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) The double yellow lines were added to the A4080 in June 2021 in an attempt to tackle local parking concerns. They weren't weren't universally popular as it meant some residents were unable to park near their homes. 'Since then, traffic wardens have visited the area just once,' said Cathy. "For the double-yellow lines to be effective, they must be properly policed. When they were put down, we were assured this would happen – but it hasn't. 'At the forest, people were even parking across entrances reserved for the emergency services. Fire is a real risk there and the fire service needs good access to prevent the worst from happening.' Anglesey Council disputes claims about a lack of traffic wardening. In a statement, Huw Percy, the authority's head of highways, waste and property, said: 'Civil enforcement officers have regularly monitored the area, including last weekend, issuing penalty charge notices upon vehicles which are parked on yellow lines and within restricted bays, caused obstructions or compromised safety.' The council later clarified its wardening of the area over Easter. A spokesperson said: "A parking warden visited Newborough on three separate occasions over the Easter weekend, each at different times. "During these visits, no issues were identified that fell within the Council's enforcement remit, and as such, no fines were issued. We continue to monitor the area, particularly during periods of good weather when higher visitor numbers are expected. "We welcome input from the community regarding specific times and locations where enforcement may be needed and are keen to work collaboratively to address any concerns." Letters written by villagers were this week emailed to Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi, Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth, local councillors and the head of highways at Anglesey Council. These demanded regular support from traffic wardens in Newborough, and at the neighbouring communities of Malltraeth and Pen-lôn. (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) 'Tow them away' Many residents want the council to follow the example set by Cyngor Gwynedd around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Ogwen Valley in Eryri (Snowdonia). Not only were warnings issued here, these were acted upon: as well as scores of fines being issued, in recent years many illegally-parked vehicles have been towed away with support from North Wales Police. Parking offences have since dwindled and there has been an uptick in the use of the National Park's park-and-ride scheme. Passenger numbers on the Sherpa'r network have jumped 79% compared with pre-Covid. At Newborough, mitigations such as a park-and-ride service, and overflow parking, are being assessed by NRW and its partners. In the past fortnight, local NRW wardens have been saluted for clamping down on illegal camping in the forest, though the threat of fire continues to hang like a pall over the community Traffic improvements can't come too soon for the village. After being caught up in Sunday's chaos, one woman fumed: 'Gridlock in Pen-lôn, gridlock coming from Malltraeth to Newborough, gridlock around the village. Took me 30 minutes to get from Tre Rhosyr to Pen Rhos (two streets in the village 0.3 miles apart)! Summer not even here yet! God help us all.' (Image: Crown copyright/Visit Wales (all rights reserved)) Another resident noted her father was quicker getting to Llandudno on Sunday that it was travelling from Pen-lôn to Newborough. It took him 50 minutes but it could have been longer: as he lives on the beach access road, he was only able to return when family members stopped exiting traffic so he could overtake stationary cars. Other beach traffic was turned away by traffic management contractors who manned the Church Street beach road. 'The abuse they got was horrific,' said Cathy. 'Some of the language was terrible.' Last week, Anglesey Council was awarded £2.4m by the Welsh Government for stage two of an active travel scheme between the Malltraeth and Newborough. The aim is to connect the two settlements by extending the Lon Las Cefni network. The local authority hopes this will help alleviate traffic congestion in the area by encouraging walking and cycling. Many locals remain unconvinced but Mr Percy said Anglesey Council is doing its best to address the issues. He said: 'The Isle of Anglesey County Council recognises that Llanddwyn has become an increasingly popular destination and is aware of the impact this is having on the local community. 'To help manage this, the authority is supporting NRW in expanding parking provision over the summer months, and remains committed to working with partners and residents on a longer-term solution to ease congestion - though it is acknowledged this will take time. 'The Authority continues to support NRW and other stakeholders in taking proactive steps to minimise the local impact and work towards a sustainable resolution.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) 'No one likes stepping in human poo' While some villagers want non-local access stopped to Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn beach, most just want solutions, insisting they are not anti-tourist. But when locals stumble across human faeces – and sometimes step in it – this conviction can waver. Public toilets in the village were closed 13 years ago. A recent public consultation supported their reopening – but residents claim they have been told it will be too costly. One villager told North Wales Live: 'A friend was recently walking along the beach when he trod on human excrement buried beneath a thin layer of sand. He knew it was human because of all the tissue paper buried with it. 'We're seeing more and more of it in the area because people have no where to go. It's not very pleasant! It was disappointing to see the public toilets won't be reopened. Not for our sakes – we all have toilets at home! Having such a facility here would make it a more pleasant experience for visitors.' (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) The toilets area is currently used for parking and a recent consultation proposed developing this use. Three options are proposed, including reserving spaces solely for local people. Others proposed mixed use. In all scenarios, the toilet block would be demolished. But Mr Percy said reopening the toilets has not been ruled out. He said: 'The public toilets have been closed since 2011-12 with the site currently serving only as a parking area for limited local use. 'The council has recently engaged with stakeholders, including local residents, to gain a better understanding of the community's needs and to explore potential improvements for the site. However, it is unlikely that opening the public toilets would influence or have an impact on the behaviours of some visitors in the forestry. 'Reinstating the public toilets is one option under consideration. We will continue to collaborate with Natural Resources Wales, partners and local community to improve the current situation and to minimise the heavy impacts and burden which increased visitor numbers has on local residents.' Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
25-04-2025
- North Wales Live
Angry villagers 'trapped at home' as tourists gridlock Anglesey beach
A coastal village again found itself marooned in a sea of traffic as vistors surged to an iconic tree-lined beach. Fed-up residents in Newborough, Anglesey, have vowed to take matters into their own hands if the authorities fail to act on a problem that's been blighting their village for years. Littering is a constant gripe, tempers often flare and villagers report growing amounts of human excrement out in the open. Illicit camping is a fire risk at 2,500-acre Newborough Forest, which provides a picturesque backdrop to Traeth Llanddwyn and its tidal island. But it is traffic that poses the greatest disruption risk to a community grappling with overtourism. On Easter Sunday, some locals reported taking 40 minutes to drive the final half-mile into Newborough after getting caught up in tailbacks. Mourners reportedly struggled to reach St Peter's Church for a funeral service. Much of the traffic was attempting to reach the 300-space beach car park at photogenic Traeth Llanddwyn. It's one of seven car parks within Newborough Forest but all fill quickly on sunny days. Late arrivals queued along a 1.8-mile access road to the beach or parked illegally on the A4080 by the forest. 'The Easter Bank Holiday weekend was an absolute farce,' said Cathy Sands, who runs the area's Facebook page. 'Once again, traffic brought the village to a standstill as visitors used it as a giant car park to queue for the beach. 'The place was rammed. Cars were bumper to bumper – it was an accident waiting to happen. This has been going for years but it's getting worse and starting earlier in the year. What we experienced last weekend was as bad as it's ever been – we're dreading what will happen during the summer holiday season.' At the weekend, residents reported cars double-parked on double yellow lines stretching half-a-mile along the A4080 between Newborough and Malltraeth. Some villagers were left fuming as visitors parked in residential streets and blocked driveways. Several residents reported being trapped at home for much of Sunday - and said this wasn't uncommon on busy days. The double yellow lines were added to the A4080 in June 2021 in an attempt to tackle local parking concerns. They weren't weren't universally popular as it meant some residents were unable to park near their homes. 'Since then, traffic wardens have visited the area just once,' said Cathy. "For the double-yellow lines to be effective, they must be properly policed. When they were put down, we were assured this would happen – but it hasn't. 'At the forest, people were even parking across entrances reserved for the emergency services. Fire is a real risk there and the fire service needs good access to prevent the worst from happening.' Anglesey Council disputes claims about a lack of traffic wardening. In a statement, Huw Percy, the authority's head of highways, waste and property, said: 'Civil enforcement officers have regularly monitored the area, including last weekend, issuing penalty charge notices upon vehicles which are parked on yellow lines and within restricted bays, caused obstructions or compromised safety.' The council later clarified its wardening of the area over Easter. A spokesperson said: "A parking warden visited Newborough on three separate occasions over the Easter weekend, each at different times. "During these visits, no issues were identified that fell within the Council's enforcement remit, and as such, no fines were issued. We continue to monitor the area, particularly during periods of good weather when higher visitor numbers are expected. "We welcome input from the community regarding specific times and locations where enforcement may be needed and are keen to work collaboratively to address any concerns." Letters written by villagers were this week emailed to Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi, Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth, local councillors and the head of highways at Anglesey Council. These demanded regular support from traffic wardens in Newborough, and at the neighbouring communities of Malltraeth and Pen-lôn. 'Tow them away' Many residents want the council to follow the example set by Cyngor Gwynedd around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Ogwen Valley in Eryri (Snowdonia). Not only were warnings issued here, these were acted upon: as well as scores of fines being issued, in recent years many illegally-parked vehicles have been towed away with support from North Wales Police. Parking offences have since dwindled and there has been an uptick in the use of the National Park's park-and-ride scheme. Passenger numbers on the Sherpa'r network have jumped 79% compared with pre-Covid. At Newborough, mitigations such as a park-and-ride service, and overflow parking, are being assessed by NRW and its partners. In the past fortnight, local NRW wardens have been saluted for clamping down on illegal camping in the forest, though the threat of fire continues to hang like a pall over the community Traffic improvements can't come too soon for the village. After being caught up in Sunday's chaos, one woman fumed: 'Gridlock in Pen-lôn, gridlock coming from Malltraeth to Newborough, gridlock around the village. Took me 30 minutes to get from Tre Rhosyr to Pen Rhos (two streets in the village 0.3 miles apart)! Summer not even here yet! God help us all.' Another resident noted her father was quicker getting to Llandudno on Sunday that it was travelling from Pen-lôn to Newborough. It took him 50 minutes but it could have been longer: as he lives on the beach access road, he was only able to return when family members stopped exiting traffic so he could overtake stationary cars. Other beach traffic was turned away by traffic management contractors who manned the Church Street beach road. 'The abuse they got was horrific,' said Cathy. 'Some of the language was terrible.' Last week, Anglesey Council was awarded £2.4m by the Welsh Government for stage two of an active travel scheme between the Malltraeth and Newborough. The aim is to connect the two settlements by extending the Lon Las Cefni network. The local authority hopes this will help alleviate traffic congestion in the area by encouraging walking and cycling. Many locals remain unconvinced but Mr Percy said Anglesey Council is doing its best to address the issues. He said: 'The Isle of Anglesey County Council recognises that Llanddwyn has become an increasingly popular destination and is aware of the impact this is having on the local community. 'To help manage this, the authority is supporting NRW in expanding parking provision over the summer months, and remains committed to working with partners and residents on a longer-term solution to ease congestion - though it is acknowledged this will take time. 'The Authority continues to support NRW and other stakeholders in taking proactive steps to minimise the local impact and work towards a sustainable resolution.' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday 'No one likes stepping in human poo' While some villagers want non-local access stopped to Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn beach, most just want solutions, insisting they are not anti-tourist. But when locals stumble across human faeces – and sometimes step in it – this conviction can waver. Public toilets in the village were closed 13 years ago. A recent public consultation supported their reopening – but residents claim they have been told it will be too costly. One villager told North Wales Live: 'A friend was recently walking along the beach when he trod on human excrement buried beneath a thin layer of sand. He knew it was human because of all the tissue paper buried with it. 'We're seeing more and more of it in the area because people have no where to go. It's not very pleasant! It was disappointing to see the public toilets won't be reopened. Not for our sakes – we all have toilets at home! Having such a facility here would make it a more pleasant experience for visitors.' The toilets area is currently used for parking and a recent consultation proposed developing this use. Three options are proposed, including reserving spaces solely for local people. Others proposed mixed use. In all scenarios, the toilet block would be demolished. But Mr Percy said reopening the toilets has not been ruled out. He said: 'The public toilets have been closed since 2011-12 with the site currently serving only as a parking area for limited local use. 'The council has recently engaged with stakeholders, including local residents, to gain a better understanding of the community's needs and to explore potential improvements for the site. However, it is unlikely that opening the public toilets would influence or have an impact on the behaviours of some visitors in the forestry. 'Reinstating the public toilets is one option under consideration. We will continue to collaborate with Natural Resources Wales, partners and local community to improve the current situation and to minimise the heavy impacts and burden which increased visitor numbers has on local residents.'
