Village parking charges – no change for at least a year

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IT will probably be at least 12 months before there is any change to the current controversial pay-and-display parking system in Lymm village – if indeed there is to be any change at all.
This seems to be the situation following a meeting between shopkeepers’ representatives, local councillors and transportation chiefs from the borough council.
But the most likely outcome seems to be a “pay-as-you-leave” system, with the first hour free.
Council chiefs were unwilling to reinstate the two hour free period because this would not produce enough revenue to cover the cost of running the car parks.
But local councillors Bob Barr, Ian Marks and Sheila Woodyatt were united in supporting the two hour free period and pledged to continue the fight to get it restored.
Another option discussed was one where traders would refund parking charges to customers in return for a minimum spend and shopkeepers hope to arrange a meeting to consider this soon as it would require a measure of agreement between traders.
Shopkeepers’ representatives took the opportunity to urge the borough to improve car park signage and also suggested that the Davies Way and Henry Street car parks should be treated as one large car park and made a one way system.
Parking problems in Brookfield Road were also discussed.
After the meeting, Cllr Woodyatt said while some positives had emerged, she was concerned that the borough was comparing Lymm with Stockton Heath.
“There is absolutely no comparison” she said. “Stockton Heath is a much larger shopping centre and Lymm stands to lose much more from parking restrictions.”
Cllr Marks said he was disappointed to see that council officers seemed not to be considering the impact of parking charges on shopkeepers and were only concerned about making the car parks profitable.
“There is no doubt trade in Lymm is being damaged by the parking charges. Footfall is down but, perhaps even more important, people are not spending enough time in the village.”
There will be no changes to the present system until a new parking services contract is awarded in July and any change is likely to be trialled at Stockton Heath before being introduced in Lymm.
In the meantime, the borough will be studying the latest car park technology.

Pictured from the top – United in their support for two free hours Cllrs Woodyatt, Barr and Marks


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