Gwynedd Council has secured £240,000 of funding to develop six ‘Aires’ across the region.

The project will see assets such as public car parks upgraded to provide a suitable base for overnight stays for motorhomes. Each location will be within walking distance of a town centre and it is hoped that they will be in place by Spring 2023.

The funding has been provided as part of the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics capital fund, which is being spread across 18 projects to help with improving infrastructure in important areas for tourism across Wales.

The Council had previously said it had been considering Aires as motorhome owners visiting the area were staying where they “had no legal right to sleep in a vehicle overnight”. It is also hoped that introducing Aires will offer “an element of economic benefit to the local community”.

Dafydd Williams, Head of Environment for Gwynedd Council, said: “Gwynedd Council has undertaken significant research into motor homes in the county and has listened to the views of communities, motor home owners and camp site operators in order to understand illegal or inappropriate overnight stays within the county.”

“Through the Brilliant Basics funded project we will pilot a network of up to 6 ‘Aros-fan’ sites across Gwynedd which will provide appropriate over-night provision for motor homes and campervans with their own on board facilities.”

Sioned Williams, Head of Economy and Community for Gwynedd Council, said: “In order to support the local economy, all 6 sites will be located within walking distance to key towns and destinations, will have basic services and will operate a strict 48 hour maximum stay.”

“Although these facilities will not be operational this summer, we hope that all relevant infrastructure will be in place by Spring 2023. If the pilot proves successful, the Council may consider the development of further Aros-fan facilities in the county in the future.”

If you’re looking for some holiday inspiration this year, our guide to the UK’s best motorhome sites to stay at could be worth a look. If you’re thinking of heading to the area, be sure to take a look at our travel guide to North Wales too.

Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto


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