THE catering and retail provisions in place at a mountain biking centre in Gwynedd are due to close as part of cost-cutting measures from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

All such facilities are set to cease at Coed Y Brenin mountain biking centre, but the site will remain open for walking, biking, play areas, and car parking and toilet provision.

NRW has outlined a number of changes its board has agreed to, in order to “manage the financial challenges” it faces.

These also include the removal of 233 jobs, and savings of £12million by 2025-26.

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The organisation also said it will actively seek out partners to run its catering and retailing services on its behalf, with public meetings to take place in due course.

In a joint statement, Mabon ap Gwynfor and Liz Saville Roberts, the MS and MP respectively for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “This news comes as a devastating blow, foremost to the retail and catering staff at Coed y Brenin who have worked diligently under a cloud of uncertainty for months, but also to the wider community who have fought hard to resist this closure.

“We have argued from the outset that the long-term future of Coed Y Brenin is best served in the hands of the local community.

“But, sadly we have found ourselves in a position where the needs of the local community are being dismissed, despite overwhelming support for community ownership. 

“We have repeatedly urged NRW to engage constructively with local group Caru Coed y Brenin, who are well-placed to take over the running of the site.

“The people of Coed y Brenin and the surrounding area have made Coed y Brenin what it is, and both NRW and the Welsh Government should bear this in mind when tendering for future ownership.

“It is extremely regrettable that sufficient time wasn’t afforded to allow local groups to formally submit business plans, despite NRW assuring us in February that nothing would happen for two or three years.

“The closure of this fantastic resource is being rushed through without meaningful consultation and scrutiny, and with little regard to the impact on the local and visitor economies.”

Sir David Henshaw, chair of NRW, said: "Our goal is to ensure that every pound of public funding is used efficiently and effectively, with a focus on tackling the climate emergency, restoring biodiversity, and addressing environmental risks.

“The changes we’re making now will help us maximise our impact where it matters most.

“This process is not only about addressing financial constraints but about putting NRW in the best shape to tackle the most pressing environmental issues.

“Every decision is aimed at maximising our impact where it’s most needed.

“While some activities will be adapted or delivered differently, the changes will free up resources to be invested in the areas that matter most.

“This will allow NRW to continue its leadership role in protecting Wales' natural resources, driving positive change for future generations.”