‘Things must be put right in our town...’

Councillors complain about free parking signs and new barriers

SIGNAGE for free parking in Leek last month has been described as ‘abysmal’.

At the latest meeting of Leek Town Council, fierce criticism was made over the lack of posters advertising free parking to visitors of the town for the whole month.

Councillors were also not happy with the barriers presently erected in Derby Street.

Town mayor Stephen Wales said: “The town crier, Bill Lomas, has been out in the town promoting shops. People have confidence in Leek.

“But the barriers have been done better in other places.

“In Leek they look like they have been thrown up and people are not happy.

“There is however, a need for social distance. The barriers, which need to be linked together, are the responsibility of Staffordshire County Council.

“We do not get the service delivery from Staffordshire County Council or Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.”

Councillor Roy Molson said: “The free parking posters were not clear in August.

“The signs were not in the right places, they were not fixed where motorists could see them, before they put money in the machine.

“The barriers in the town should also be locked together.”

Councillor Brian Johnson said that parking in Leek should be promoted.

He said: “The car parking posters in August were abysmal.

“Things need to be put right in our town.”

Councillor Mike Worthington said: “I do not agree with the barriers. I think they are an absolute disgrace.

“We are trying to encourage people to shop in the town.”

Councillor Sue Coleman said that she agreed that the barriers were ‘a sight and did not look fit for purpose.’

However, Staffordshire County Highways told the Post & Times that they had not placed out the barriers – this is something Staffordshire Moorlands District Council had done and that the highways team had only supported the measure and helped with suspending the bays.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “As businesses and towns started to re-open following the coronavirus shut down the council offered free car parking to support residents, traders and visitors.

“The offer was widely publicised in the media, on the council’s social media channels and on our website alongside notices on site at the car parks and we know the message was very much received by the number of free parking tickets issued.

“To assist with social distancing and ensure sufficient space is provided for pedestrians and shoppers, parking bays along Derby Street have been suspended and barriers have been put in place.

“As well as ensuring drivers don’t park in these bays, these barriers help people returning to Leek to feel confident that they can do so safely, and are a visible reminder that we and the businesses take our role in facilitating safe and responsible behaviour seriously.

“We are currently investigating replacing these with new barriers that will link together and will be more visually appealing.

“It is disappointing that, rather than welcoming the boost these measures offer Leek, the town council has chosen to focus on what they see as negative aspects”