Paddock Wood traders against increase in parking charges
PADDOCK Wood traders and councillors have reacted angrily to news of plans to increase town centre parking charges.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council officers looking to augment the cash-strapped authority's budget have identified the town's car parks as a possible source of revenue.
-
CONCERNED: A group of Paddock Wood traders who are worried about the possibility of parking charges being introduced there. On the left is chairman of the parish council, Ron Aitchison AH1002102_2
On February 4, the council's cabinet agreed to carry out a survey to identify the best way of doing this, with the introduction of all-day parking season tickets in the Paddock Wood West car park and the abolition of the current two-hours-for-free arrangement looking most likely.
Paddock Wood Town Council chairman Ron Aitchison said he was disappointed not to be consulted.
Cllr Aitchison said: "The town council are totally peed off with the way this is being introduced without any prior knowledge. The Parish Charter says we are supposed to work together.
"They have come up with this hare-brained scheme and reckon they can generate £12,000. In the total borough council budget that is peanuts.
"We're totally against the whole principle before they do anything. They want to get rid of the two hours' free parking and, as far as I am concerned, no way."
Town centre shopkeepers fear changes could spell the end for many businesses.
Paul Smith, chairman of the Paddock Wood Business Association, said free parking was their main advantage over other shopping destinations.
Mr Smith said: "The members are utterly opposed to the abolition of two-hour free parking. It is so important to the survival of our town centre.
"Trade is suffering. We're just not getting the footfall in the town. To impose car parking charges would reduce numbers even further."
John Barsley, co-owner of Barsley's department store, said: "I think the present system works extremely well. It would be a great loss to lose the two free hours and it would be a serious detriment to businesses in Paddock Wood."
Jay Vara, owner of Homecraft, said changes would definitely cost him customers while Tony Evernden, of Evernden Cycles, added: "I think it's disgusting. They are just trying to kill off the town centre. It will be a small gain for the council, but a big loss for the community."
Cabinet member Elizabeth Thomas said plans were at an early stage and locals would be consulted.
She said: "The borough council, the town council and representatives of business will meet up as we need to think about it.
"Obviously, raising money for the budget is important, but we need to support our shopkeepers."
When pressed on the scheme's details, Cllr Thomas responded: "I don't know whether the free hours will go. We need an awful lot more number crunching before we can give an indication.
"I would personally like to keep some free time. I think Paddock Wood shops rely on that."
4 Comments
by AR, Paddock Wood
Friday, February 19 2010, 9:50PM
“By taking away the free parking, the already horrendous problem of people parking illegally in Commercial Road will escalate. As a Paddock Wood resident, I will steer clear of shopping in the village if I have to pay to park as I usually only pop in for a couple of items - they will have to wait for my next shopping trip to Tunbridge Wells or Asda at Kings Hill. The Council need to think carefully as this will certainly kill off our local shops.”
by Linda Harrild, Paddock Wood
Friday, February 12 2010, 1:21PM
“You will kill local businesses if you take away the 2 hours free parking. At least make it 1 hour free if you are going to do it. I try to support local businesses but this will turn me away if I have to park. I might as well go into M/stone to shop if you start charging”
by RC, West Kent
Friday, February 12 2010, 1:13PM
“'The loss of free parking will just push people into Waitrose carpark and the surrounding residential roads. '
Not at all, the free parking in the local roads will be converted into residents permits which will be patrolled by the mindless jobsworths parking wardens who ticket cars on assumed guilt. Shoppers will then be forced back into the car parks to avoid the fines. At this point the parking charges will be increased well above inflation year on year.
All hope is lost for Paddock Wood if this happens and many businesses will close or relocate. Look towards Tunbridge Wells and how it is killing the smaller retailers in the town.
Paddock Wood stand up for your rights and protect your shops. If you give an inch the council will take a mile.”
by James, Brenchley
Friday, February 12 2010, 12:58PM
“Paddock Wood Town Council chairman Ron Aitchison said he was disappointed not to be consulted. - What, in the same way that residents have not been consulted on the harebrained scheme to enforce a 20mph limit through the town with average speed cameras!
At least common sense prevailed with abandoning the plan to close the end of Crittenden Road.
The loss of free parking will just push people into Waitrose carpark and the surrounding residential roads.”