§The Betws y Coed information centre will be the only one open all year round. Photo: Snowdonia NPA

The Betws y Coed information centre will be the only one open all year round. Photo: Snowdonia NPA

Snowdonia national park will keep only one of its information centres open all year round, following funding cuts of almost 14 per cent.

The park authority has been forced to find savings of £872,000 after a two-year reduction in its grant of 13.7 per cent.

Only the information centre at Betws y Coed will continue to open throughout the year, with daily service cut by one hour in winter. The Beddgelert and Dolgellau centres will close during the winter months, along with Aberdyfi which already has only seasonal opening.

Snowdonia National Park Authority said: “All areas of the authority’s work was looked at as part of the process of finding savings, including looking at the service provided by the information centres.

“Figures relating to the number of visitors, sales income and accommodation were collected and analysed, geographical context, the cost of building maintenance, salaries were considered and staff and users were consulted.

“A commercial manager for the information centres has now been appointed and, following the performances and resources committee meeting on 15 July, Dolgellau and Beddgelert information centres will be seasonal centres, as will the centre in Aberdyfi.”

Chief executive Emyr Williams said: “Decisions such as these are not taken lightly. Betws y Coed information centre will continue to provide valuable information to visitors, including accommodation booking service and advice on places to visit, and the authority’s website will continue to provide updated information and comprehensive information on the area.

“While we have seen an increase in the number of international visitors to Wales, we need to prioritise our resources.

“The service provided by the information centres presents an opportunity for the authority to carry out the second purpose of the national park and there is tremendous potential to work closely with the local communities to develop them.

“Therefore, by reducing service this year, our intention eventually is to create a more sustainable service for the coming years.”

Last year, 266,406 residents and visitors used the information centres.

Beddgelert and Dolgellau tourist information centres will open from Easter weekend to the last weekend of the autumn term in future.

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