A ONE-WAY system agreed by planners for Penarth town centre will 'ruin the town' according to angry traders – who say they have only this week received letters about the plans.

The £175,000 scheme, designed to improve traffic flow and create more parking spaces along Glebe Street, was agreed by Vale Council planners at the end of July.

As part of the scheme, the area will be made one-way for traffic travelling from Plassey Street to Windsor Road.

The new system will mean motorists coming into Penarth who want to park near Glebe Street will have to turn into Plassey Street first, either via Windsor Road, Arcot Street, or Albert Road.

But the one way system is going the wrong way, say traders, many of whom are furious that they were not consulted earlier.

One trader, who did not want to be named, said: “This plan is terrible – it has been drawn up by some idiot who doesn't live in Penarth.

"Unless you know the area and you know how to come into the town that way, then you are going to miss all the shops.

“The system is going the wrong way, but the traders – and many of us have been here for years – have not even been asked our thoughts on what plan should be introduced.

"We were only asked about this plan.”

Carol Evans, who has worked at Jag hair salon on Glebe Street for six years, says planners are 'ruining the town'.

She said: “They are clueless and will ruin the town with their plans.

"They don't talk to us. One way is fine along Glebe Street, but the other way would be better.

“People just want to be able to park. If they can’t manage that properly, what’s the point?”

Rachael Came, owner of Andrea’s florist on Glebe Street, says she is 'in disbelief' over the plans.

Speaking to the Penarth Times on Tuesday, she said: “I can’t believe we only had a letter about it this morning. It would have been nice to be consulted.

"The traders weren’t asked. If we had been, we would have told them that the plan is going the wrong way."

Peter Knowles of Hamptons on Ludlow Lane said that whilst a one way system would be welcome, there are concerns over monitoring the system.

He said: "It is going to bring more parking, which is what everyone wants here.

"Those who live in Penarth know where to park and that there are spaces available further up, but visitors to the town might drive around for a little bit, fail to find a space and leave.

"My concern is that traffic isn’t monitored properly. With more spaces and a one way system, officers must be made available to make it run smoothly."

Penarth resident, 79-year-old Jimmy Mainwater – who had been trying to park for more than ten minutes in the town – added: “I am partly disabled and parking is a nightmare.

"I want to support the town’s shops but I find it difficult to get in, especially on a Saturday.

"I don’t know why they are wasting all this money on a one-way system when what we need is a little car park." Penarth Town councillor Alun Roberts, who represents the Cornerswell ward and is Chairman of the Town Planning and Transportation Committee, urged residents to look at the plans and provide feedback.

He added: "I could think of better ways to spend my money.

"There are pot holes and pavements in Penarth and I would rather it be spent there.

"Why don't they spend the money where it is needed? Some jobsworth has dreamt this up in Barry."

The plans are available to view now in the foyer of West House until September.

Paul Gay, operational manager of engineering design and procurement, said earlier this month: “If there are no objections to the proposals then the site work is programmed for October/November. Should there be objections to the scheme, then a further report on these would have to go to planning committee for consideration. This would delay the programme."