Drivers in the north Wales town of Deganwy in Conwy have been issued with parking tickets on a road that has been closed for over two months due to ongoing utility works. Local residents enduring the prolonged closure of their high street are now receiving fines for parking on it, according to reports. Shops continue to operate in Deganwy, though many are battling against the road’s closure and welcome any customers they can attract, says North Wales Live.

Business owners claim a ten-week gas pipeline scheme is creating substantial upheaval in the coastal town. One prominent retailer has already been compelled to close down, with its proprietor blaming the “detrimental effect” the works have inflicted on her enterprise since the road was shut to through-traffic three weeks ago.

The A546 running through Deganwy, which includes Station Road and Deganwy Road, is being shut in stages until 21 November. With alternative routes established, some drivers have been left uncertain whether they can access the town. Trading establishments have observed a marked decline in custom.

An “our village needs you” appeal has been sent out to locals, encouraging them to back the town’s “struggling” enterprises. According to Conwy councillor Julie Fallon, who serves the Deganwy ward, this backing has arrived with an unpleasant shock.

Posting online, she stated: “I have been made aware of a number of people and staff members on and around Station Road in Deganwy receiving parking fines. This is despite the road being closed and workmen saying it is OK to park near their businesses.”

In a follow-up email to the local council, she wrote: “This feels incredibly unfair and I struggle to understand why a parking enforcement officer would be going along a closed road to try and ticket people. This just adds insult to injury.”