News that Natural Resources Wales has refused to grant permission to hold rally stages on their forestry land is a huge blow to Mid Wales and puts into doubt the Welsh Association of Motor Club’s Stage 2 Severn Valley Rally and numerous other Rally and Enduro events in the Llandrindod Wells/Rhayader/Builth Wells area.
NRW have cited ‘unsafe trees’ as a consequence of Storm Darragh as a reason to refuse permission. Stage 2 Severn Valley Rally is due to be held on the 12 April, but this fixture is in doubt unless other sites can be sourced for the forestry stages. Other events cancelled include the Snowrun Enduro using Crychan Forest and Jack Frost using Abbeycwmhir Forest.
James Evans MS has written to NRW on the 14th January to question their decision and ask them to reconsider. He is awaiting a substantive response.
James has also raised this with Welsh Government to outline the economic cost to NRW refusal to grant permissions.
James Evans MS said:
“NRWs refusal to grant permission is a huge blow for motorsport fans and the local economy of Mid Wales.
"Many businesses, restaurants, pubs, accommodation providers all need this must needed boost of visitor numbers and their spend into the local economy. Participants and spectators come from all over the UK to watch these Rally stages and it is an opportunity for Mid Wales to showcase its magnificent scenery and all it has to offer.
"To lose such prestigious events like RallyNuts from Mid Wales because NRW can’t clear trees in the next 3 months is a huge blow to local businesses."
