TRADERS and opposition politicians have accused the Vale council of using Barry Island’s car parks as a “cash cow” after winter charges were introduced.

Previously, free off-season parking was available at Nell’s Point and Harbour Road, but as of Saturday, October 1 visitors now face having to stump up £0.50 for one-hour parking and £2.50 for the day.

Business owners, Tory politicians and Plaid Baruc councillors united to condemn the charges.

Plaid Baruc Vale and Barry town councillor, Nic Hodges said: "The council's priority should be to support our tourist attractions and businesses, not use them as cash cows.”

He said he believed a more sensible charging scheme would enable locals to visit the cafes and coffee shops and help support business during the quiet winter months.

Baruc colleague, cllr Steffan Wiliam said he had been inundated with complaints from visitors, traders and residents about the costs.

Cllr Wiliam said: “We must start looking now at a parking strategy for the Island that will future proof our economy and ensure a decent standard of living for our residents. The leadership of this council are burying their heads in the sand like ostriches.”

One visitor we spoke to on the first day of the charges, Cardiff resident Jayne Lutwyche, said the fee meant she would visit less often and stay less time.

Miss Lutwyche, 32, said: “We came down for a dog walk, but we are only going to stay for an hour because of the charges.

"We usually would stay for fish and chips. It’s one of the best beaches to come at this time of year. We’re just going to have a run around now.”

Vale MP Alum Cairns said he believed that many visitors would share the same opinion as Miss Lutwyche.

"The charges have the potential to deter visitors and decrease the amount of time and money spent on the Island," he said.

“The local authority’s priority must be to work with traders to build lasting economic success on Barry Island instead of ignoring them to make a dash for cash through car park charges."

Vale Council cabinet member for visible, leisure and regulatory services, cllr Gwyn John said winter charges were deferred last year, but agreed in April this year.

Cllr John said charges would be enforced all year-round.

He said: “There is no evidence that car parking charges are discouraging visitors to Barry Island. These car parks are used primarily by visitors to the area and the income received helps to fund the high level of front line services required at this most popular resort.

“There is also free parking available on-street around the Barry Island resort, which generally has a two-hour waiting limit.”

The Vale Council said year one of the £5 per day summer charge in 2014/2015 meant the net income obtained from the two Barry Island car parks was £179,234.

In 2015/2016, this figure was £233,663 and to date in 2016/2017 this figure rose to £262,632.