THE chronic lack of car parking spaces in St Dogmaels and the problems that causes has again been highlighted.

Local resident Penny Rees told a meeting of the community council that villagers were being unfairly penalised for living there.

Charges have been brought back in to the main car park from March 1 by Pembrokeshire County Council following the winter break and the time motorists have to pay has now been extended to 7pm.

She also pointed out that the village’s main car park once had 82 spaces but that had since been reduced to 74 spaces and now four more had effectively been taken out of use for most people with the introduction of electric car charging points in those spaces.

”How many other villages have to pay to park to get to their own homes because you are not allowed to park anywhere else?” she asked.

“There’s already not enough spaces and you cannot walk safely through the village. The whole thing is a complete mess and you cannot compare towns and villages.

“I have lived here 42 years and visitors won’t pay to come to see us. I notice they don’t pay to park at Pembrokeshire council offices so why do we have to pay to park by our own home?”

Community councillors said they had no say in the introduction of the electric car charging parking bays. Drivers in non-electric cars who park in those bays will be ticketed.

“It does seem a ridiculous number considering the size of the village and when Pembrokeshire County Council is already aware of the parking problems here,” said Cllr Phil Hutchings.

Cllr Melrose Thomas added: “Putting in four charging points in St Dogmaels and the same number in Tenby does not make sense. I am disappointed there was no dialogue.”

Chairman Cllr Jo Hutchings said: “They must be able to monitor their usage. Could they be mothballed if they are not used?”