MORE than 4,000 people have signed a petition opposing proposals to end free parking on car parks at Lymm and Stockton Heath – a move aiming to raise an extra £53,000.
The petition calling for free parking periods to be retained, was handed to Cllr Hans Mundry, leader of Warrington Borough Council, by local businesswoman and parish councillor Sally Sharma.
She said: “Cllr Mundry was very open to hear my views about the planned changes and I felt he was receptive to looking at alternatives. I hope that we can work together to find a solution, as the charges will have a huge impact on the smaller businesses in the village – shops that provide the essential core services our communities need.”
Back in 2016 charging was introduced at the car parks, despite a strong campaign by the local community.
After a long period of consultation with residents and businesses, charging was introduced, but with free periods that still allowed parking when people used the villages to “pop to the shop”.
Cllr Graham Gowland who was a key figure in the Lymm campaign commented: “There was a lot of opposition to the idea of any charges, but actually we’ve found that the carparks are now accessible by visitors, and it’s actually helped the village. The free hour though is key, as it means we get people stopping off in the village for small purchases, where a charge would put them off”.
Currently the council does not charge at all car parks across the borough. But in Lymm and Stockton Heath charging brings in £132,000 a year.
Cllr Gowland said: ‘Using the same charging system in Lymm, retaining the free hour, but applying charges to six council car parks that don’t charge, would bring in about £175,000 for the council -far more than the £53, 000 the council is planning on raising through the Lymm and Stockton Heath changes.
“While no one wants to pay for parking, it does mean the carparks can be better managed, and parking more easily accessed. It is however vital we retain the same free period in all the district carparks.’”
The campaigners hope the council will apply the successful Lymm model to the six completely free car parks, which include Culcheth and Latchford. The petition means the council must respond to the request in the petition to retain the free parking periods at Lymm and Stockton Heath.
People are continuing to sign the petition which can be viewed HERE
2 Comments
Charging 70p for the first hour in Lymm is crazy. People just popping in for a prescription or going to the Post Office, our only bank, shouldn’t have to pay. Not everyone can walk into the village. And, contrary to popular belief, we aren’t all wealthy!
I just realised that I need to drop something off at the Heritage Centre on my way to Warrington. I certainly wouldn’t pay 70p for a few minutes!
Trafford tried this in Hale some years ago and the village nearly died.
At least make 30 minutes free.
Pity they didn’t sign it for the hospital 😕