‘Help shops - suspend town car parking fees’
Calls to boost businesses for their reopening and encourage more shoppers
A CALL has been made for a council to help shops get back into business in Leek, Cheadle and Biddulph by offering free parking during April and May.
The concerns over town businesses needing help as they prepare to reopen was highlighted during a car parking working group update at last week’s meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s service delivery overview and scrutiny panel.
Speaking at the meeting, chairman of the working group, Councillor Gary Bentley said: “My concern is the timescale. The high streets are getting ready to reopen and need help.
“We should look at free car parking periods during April and May, but we are having no more discussions until June. We have got to help the high streets.
“The car parking machines are dirty. People are expected to put money in these machines.
“We are now waiting for Councillor Wain and the ruling cabinet to make a decision on parking.”
Councillor Peter Wilkinson said that he was concerned over enforcement during Covid-19.
He said: “Car parking attendants should be furloughed. People are stopping coming into towns. There should also be a 30 minutes period to unload on the high streets.”
In a presentation, council officer Katy
Webster informed councillors that consultants had been appointed to look at a review of car parking policy.
She said: “The review has received responses from 770 people. There has been engagement with district and town councillors, businesses, chamber of commerce, residents and county highways.
“Public consultation is the key. There has been a strong response from the public exercise. It is important to treat towns individually.
“The review is also looking at free parking periods and is considering payment options including cashless.
“It is also looking at supporting quick trips and to encourage people to stay longer and tourists spend. Improving the look of car parks is also being looked at. The next step is to get the report from the consultants probably by the end of April which will go to Councillor Wain and the council’s cabinet.”
Speaking to the Post & Times, Mr Bentley said: “We can’t do anything without going back to Councillor Wain and the cabinet at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. I would like to invite Mr Wain to join us on the car parking working group.”
Councillor Wain told the Post & Times: “The council has paid out a lot of money during Covid-19. We have reached the point of where we can go. Businesses have received grants during the pandemic and our car parking charges are a lot less than many other towns.”