Seven posts axed by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

Seven people will lose their jobs at the Brecon Beacons National Park as part of budget savings of £650,000 over the next two years.

The park authority has approved six compulsory redundancies and one voluntary.

The move follows a 13% cut in the park authority's funding by the Welsh government between 2013 and 2015.

It employs 130 staff and has responsibility for planning issues and managing the national park.

The staff include wardens, visitor and tourist information centre assistants, planners, community development officers and supporting administration and management staff.

Public toilets

Original proposals included the loss of eight posts, but one of the redundancies was withdrawn and the savings found elsewhere after a consultation period.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority's chief executive John Cook said: "We are a relatively small and close-knit family and each job loss will be felt across the whole authority.

"We have made many difficult decisions to reach this year's budget but none more so, than the loss of posts."

Key cost saving proposals agreed by members also included a reduction in the funds available for Rights of Way projects and closure of Llanthony Priory public toilets.

The closure of Abergavenny Tourist Information Centre was also approved, although discussions are continuing with current and potential stakeholders with the aim of securing an alternative option.

The withdrawal of the Beacons Bus service is also proposed, but authority members will consider this following the completion of a detailed Equality Impact Assessment.