Borough council accused of "deception" over Paddock Wood parking plans

A PADDOCK Wood town councillor has accused the Tunbridge Wells cabinet of dishonesty over their handling of plans to raise money from the town's car parks.

Ray Moon fired the broadside during a debate at a town council meeting on Monday after hearing the borough had received complaints about a lack of all-day parking in the town.

Cllr Moon said: "Those cabinet members are facing up and trying to deceive us by fictitiously saying they had complaints, which worries me, because then I have to question their integrity and honesty in doing their jobs properly."

As reported in last week's Courier, the borough council is looking for ways to top up its budget, with the introduction of 12 season ticket-only bays in the Paddock Wood West car park among the methods being considered.

Cllr Moon believes Tunbridge Wells is keen to make the case for season tickets – and the revenue from them – as compelling as possible.

He thundered: "If you live in Paddock Wood and you go down there at lunchtime in the week you sometimes can't get a place in the car parks. How they can say they have got spaces available I do not understand.

"If they can't produce these complaints to say 'we want season tickets' then I think they are deceiving us."

Cllr Moon also condemned a borough council survey of existing parking arrangements for the same reason.

He said: "I think having the survey is a complete waste of money just to justify what they want to do in the first place – which is to put season tickets in there."

Cabinet member Elizabeth Thomas – who is also a town councillor – said she would ensure the survey was conducted in a way which would satisfy local people.

She said: "The survey is to establish whether there is any loose capacity and it will be done thoroughly and properly.

"The town council will get the opportunity to agree or disagree with how it is being carried out."

Responding to Cllr Moon's comments, a council spokesman said: "TWBC is looking into this. No decision has yet been made but we will carry out a survey in consultation with Paddock Wood Town Council and The Business Association.

"Comments from residents will also be considered."