Car parking prices should not go up to balance books

MUCH pre-publicity has been given to the car parking increases that are likely to be levied by councils to help “balance the books”.

For HBBC to introduce any increases at their car parks the outcome would be ruinous for the Town centre.

Authoritative figures show that in the post “Crescent” era (is it really a shopping mall or a café/restaurant arcade?) Footfall in the Castle Street area has fallen by 33% to 40%.

What motorist in their right mind would want to queue to get into Hinckley (seemingly at any time) and then have to pay even more than the current rate, to spend money in an area which is increasingly becoming like a ghost town.

Even the so called historic/ award winning market rarely if ever has more than 60% to 70% occupancy unlike the vibrancy of the market in neighbouring Nune- aton.

Surely some thinking ‘Outside the Box’ is required otherwise I fear that this Town will disappear off the Map of Shoppers.

Why not for a trial period offer one hours free parking to try and encourage the missing shoppers to return?

Lidl and Aldi when completed will no doubt offer this facility!

If it works great, however if it doesn’t then introduce the increase, resulting in possible more revenue from parking but much less revenue overall as more shops close, meaning less business rates and an even more Soulless Town Centre.

BE BRAVE Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council! BE BRAVE! Stuart Pemberton Hinckley Ps How can Earl Shilton town council manage to provide free parking?