Fears for shops over parking charge rise
PARKING charges are set to increase in Macclesfield sparking anger and predictions the town centre will suffer as a result.
Cheshire East Council announced that fees will rise in most of its car parks across the borough and charges will be re-introduced at the currently free site on Hibel Road.
The moves will come into force from March 8 and follow a three-week consultation at the end of last year, to which there was a total of 296 responses.
Council bosses say the changes are necessary to keep car parks secure and well maintained but the news has not been well received by Macclesfield shoppers.
Joanne Millward was among those who took to Facebook and said: “Our town shopkeepers must be reading this in total amazement!
“The high street is slowly disappearing! We can park for free at out of town shopping centres so why not in our town centres.”
Juliette Palmer said: “Disgraceful can Cheshire East answer why parking charges are different in each town.
“Far cheaper to park in Congleton than Macclesfield.”
Carole Barlow said: “Well it will be Maccles- field without a town, shops are struggling now.
“Another nail in the towns coffin.”
Changes that will come into effect next month are a 10p increase in tariff across most council car parks, a rise in charges at railway stations and a higher cost of resident mits.
The car park on Hibel Road will have fees until mid-afternoon when the ‘free after 3pm’ incentive kicks in. This is also happening at car parks in Congleton and Crewe.
Frank Jordan, the council’s acting deputy chief executive, said: “I’d parking per- like to thank everyone who made a representation as part of this consultation.
“All views made have been considered and this has led to some changes to the proposals that reflect the views of local communities and service users.
“Decisions like these are difficult and can be deeply emotive and unpopular but it is our responsibility to ensure a good turnaround of spaces for visitors and that our car parks are safe, secure and well maintained.”
He added the council was aware in discrepancies in fees in different towns and this was being reviewed.
For more details on the changes visit www. cheshireeast. gov. uk/ parkingcharges.