Call for more 'transparency' on never-used shed that's cost council £2.2m

A MOCHDRE HGV depot that has cost taxpayers £240,000 a year for nine years has been branded a stain on the local authority.

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

Conwy took on the contract for the purpose-built Mochdre “shed” in May 2016, meaning the authority has spent around £2.2million on rent and counting despite never being able to use the building for its intended purpose.

The depot's floor is unsuitable to accommodate HGVs, yet the council is locked into the 35-year lease until 2031.

An independent external review found there were process failings in the way the council took on the lease at Mochdre Commerce Park, which was presented to a special meeting in March 2019.

But despite the huge cost to taxpayers, a Conwy County Council spokesperson said it was unable to comment on the matter: “The council is not able to comment on a matter that is the subject of ongoing litigation.”