AN MP has blasted “quangocrats”

From this weeks North Wales Pioneer
http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/78407/mp-says-scrap-bryn-euryn-fencing-plans.aspx


MP says scrap Bryn Euryn fencing plans
Published date: 09 September 2009 Published by: Anna Glover


MP has blasted “quangocrats” who plan to fence off a popular nature reserve.
Campaigning walkers have battled to stop plans to introduce livestock to Bryn Euryn, Rhos-on-Sea. In June the Pioneer reported how the management committee of the historic beauty spot, discussed protecting a rare form of grass by creating two paddocks with sheep, ponies or donkeys.

This week 200 protestors gathered at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club during a meeting of the Bryn Euryn Users’ Association. Councillors, politicians and council officials also attended.

Speaking at the meeting, David Jones, MP for Clwyd West, said: “Bryn Euryn is tremendously popular with local people, who have a huge amount of enjoyment from using it as a free, safe and pleasant place to take exercise and walk their dogs. Almost inevitably, when people are enjoying something, there will be a quangocrat telling them that they shouldn’t be doing it, which appears to be the case here.

“The strength of feeling shown at this meeting should be enough to convince the Bryn Euryn committee that, whilst local people fully support the proper management of the reserve, they are strongly opposed to any moves that would result in any part of it being fenced off, or livestock put on it.”

Some areas of Bryn Euryn attained Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status, due to the rare limestone grass. Wardens at the site claim the grass was originally maintained by livestock, which would be more environmentally friendly in the long run.

Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, said: “There are precious few open spaces as it is in our locality, and many are under threat from proposals in the Conwy Local Development Plan. Bryn Euryn is a jewel in the crown of Rhos-on-Sea which we cannot afford to lose access to. These plans should be scrapped.”