Roadworks - threat to cavern jobs

The Cavern is one of Wales' top attractions

A popular Gwynedd tourist attraction says that roadworks on the main route between north and south Wales has cost it more than £50,000 in lost business.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog says it has had a number of cancellations from coach parties because improvements on the A470 is making it hard for them to get there.

The general improvements and widening project is due to be completed in autumn 2004.

But Llechwedd Slate Cavern says it is warning it may have to cut jobs if the season goes badly.

To have traffic lights and hold ups during the high peak is not good news David Hicken, Llechwedd Slate Cavern

The caverns' finance director David Hicken says he has already noticed the effects of the roadworks.

"At the beginning of the season, one of the tour operators actually said to us that because of the roadworks, he wouldn't be visiting the site this year," he said.

"And last year he produced 7,000 visitors for us.

"If you convert that into cash, it means a loss of £54,000.

Jobs at Llechwedd may have to go because of the roadworks, he added.

The former working slate mine was opened to the public in 1972 and takes visitors on an underground train journey deep into the mine's history.

With 140, 910 visitors, it was one of Wales' top 10 attractions in 2002.

The long-term roadworks causing delays between Betws-y-coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog includes filling in 30ft high sections of the hillside.

High season

Mr Hicken wants the Welsh Assembly Government to consider putting the roadworks on hold during the main holidays.

"More consideration needs to be given to the tourist industry at the time of year when we're in the high season," he said.

"To have traffic lights and hold-ups during the high peak is not good news."

The Assembly Government says it does normally suspend roadworks during August but that these works are different.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "There was no summer embargo included in this particular contract as the volume of traffic using this route is relatively light.

"Work on the scheme is expected to continue until autumn next year, but in the meantime there will be a constant review of any congestion caused and clear warning signs displayed to advise motorists of the potential disruption ahead."

Mr Hicken admits it may be too late to do anything about them for this tourist season.

However, he is hopeful something can be done before next summer's visitors arrive.