Concerns that a proposed �150m ski-dome in north Wales would cause traffic problems for a nearby village have been raised by local people.

The tourist development in Llanberis is expected to create 700 full time jobs and bring in major investment to the area.

An extra 2,000 cars a day would make it a very worrying situation indeed Resident Bethan Owen

But villagers in neighbouring Llanrug have said the road lay-out needs to change if it must accommodate an estimated 2,000 more cars a day.

Five main roads already converge at the village square, and residents fear the system would not be able to cope with the extra traffic.

The ski-dome project, which is at the feasibility stage, includes a 55 metre-high dome-like structure covering an area the size of 10 football pitches.

The arena would house an artificial snow-making system for indoor skiing, bobsledding, ice-skating and tobogganing.

The scheme, put forward by Snowdonia Gateway, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.

It could lead to a massive increase in the number of cars passing through nearby Llanrug every day.

(The ski-dome) is a massive scheme for an area such as this Councillor Charles Wyn Jones

Local resident Bethan Owen said there had been traffic problems there for years.

"An extra 2,000 cars a day would make it a very worrying situation indeed," she said.

"Nothing is going to solve the problem completely, but it is essential that we try to make the best of the situation.

"If there are any grants available to make road improvements then we should take advantage of them.

"I support any project which brings work to the area as long as the effects it might have on the surrounding area is also taken into consideration," she added.

Possible solution

Gwynedd councillor Charles Wyn Jones has suggested a solution to the traffic problem, which he says the council was considering.

"There is a field between Station Road and Llanberis Road where the roundabout could be built," he said.

The scheme would boost Snowdonia's economy

"Then traffic from Station Road would flow towards the roundabout and either turn for Caernarfon or Llanberis.

"Another advantage of a roundabout is that it would slow down the traffic on the main road, and reduce the likelihood of speeding," he said.

Cllr Jones said he was in favour of the ski-dome project even though many have cited environmental concerns.

"It is a massive scheme for an area such as this," he said.

"However I don't think we can reject it as it will create so many jobs."

Despite Llanberis being the first choice site other locations are also being considered in case planning permission is not granted.