THE decision by Labour controlled Warrington Borough Council to reintroduce car parking charges as more retail outlets start to reopen has come under fire from local Conservatives.
Wendy Maisey OBE
They say the state of the Forge car park at Stockton Heath which is full of pot holes “adds insult to injury!”
Wendy Maisey OBE, Chair of Warrington Conservatives and town business owner said: “It’s disappointing that Warrington Borough Council has reintroduced the parking fees again and it’s very short sighted. Extended free parking for the reopening of the stores next week is vital to our town’s prosperity.
“The local traders and stores have invested so much in time and effort to ensure their premises are Covid-19 ready. Staff will be coming back off furlough and we need to ensure that we get the footfall through our High Street.
“I personally very much hope that we can reward our local businesses who have looked after us all during the last three months with loyalty, but money is still tight in households and if WBC don’t offer free parking as an initial incentive to get the Warrington economy up and running my fear is that shoppers will go elsewhere.”
Lymm Councillor Kath Buckley has raised concerns about lack of consultation and impact on The High Street following the council’s decision to reintroduce parking charges that were suspended during the Covid-19 crisis.
“We need to extend the free parking until at least the end of July or ideally, until 1st September to entice shoppers back into Warrington.
“Many big stores such as Debenham’s, TK Max, Boots and Monsoon are also located in the likes of the Trafford Centre where parking is free and unlimited.
“I was interested to read that at least one Labour Councillor in Crewe is opposing the Labour run Cheshire East Council’s decision to reinstate parking charges from Monday. Warrington Borough Council must reconsider their decision.
“There is also a live petition at the moment that’s almost reached 600 signatures for WBC to again make urgent repairs to The Forge car park which is still in a state of disrepair.
“It adds insult to injury that shoppers should to be expected to pay for parking and have to dodge the potholes in their car or on foot. It’s now almost inaccessible to wheelchair users and parents with buggies.”
To sign the petition CLICK HERE
Announcing the re-introduction of car parking charges at the beginning of June the council stated: “Reinstating parking charges is part of a phased approach by the council to prepare for the borough’s recovery from coronavirus, in line with the government’s intended phased approach. The council is, however, planning initiatives to encourage and support more people to cycle or walk, rather than drive, with the longer-term aspiration that changes made in response to coronavirus will have long lasting health benefits for residents if they continue to use active transport to travel around Warrington.”
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