Car Parking charges in Frodsham

Pleased as we are with our result in Frodsham, it is a huge disappointment to us that the Conservatives are not in control at Cheshire West and Chester Council.  We had plans already agreed and in place with the Chief Executive to revoke all of Labours damaging car parking schemes across the Borough within our first hundred days.  These plans cannot now be invoked - but we have not given up hope.

Labour has lost its overall control of CWaC - however it is the largest party and holds 35 of the 70 seats.  The Conservatives have 28 seats, Independents 4, Liberal Democrats 2 and 1 Green.   This makes for an interesting council - and it is very obvious that decisions could end up being made by the casting vote of the Chairman - whoever he or she will be.  In the ensuing months we'll also learn just how independent these independents really are.  There is already mounting evidence of some very close affiliations between some of these so-called independents and political parties.  Perhaps one of more of them will make a deal to keep Labour in control?  Time alone will tell.

Anyway - full of optimism that sense will prevail I have tabled a Notice of Motion to be debated at our first council meeting, which if accepted for debate and passed will halt any charging scheme not already implemented and ensure, as a minimum across the Borough that there is at least 3 hours free parking EVERYWHERE.

Whether this motion passes (if debated) will clearly depend on whether Labour has a change of heart - and more particularly the attitude taken by the independents and the minor parties and who is the Chairman.  My fingers are crossed.

In the week since the elections, the car parking machines have been installed in Frodsham. 

Labour councillors seem incapable of realising just how damaging car parking charges can be.  Their policy is one of deliberately reducing demand for car parking spaces.   It is blindingly obvious if you discourage people from parking in Frodsham it will affect the vitality and viability of our high street and all of its shops and business.

In other parts of the country councils are removing car parking charges - but not here.  

Local people have been very clear with the message they have given us. Parking charges, especially the all important short term charges are not welcome, won’t work and will stop people coming into town.

In the same week that CWaC were installing parking machines in Frodsham, the Council is applying for £10m from the Government’s transforming high street fund.  They want to invest in Ellesmere Port and Winsford - but not Frodsham. 

Today, Saturday we saw the first effects in Frodsham.  The Station car park is normally full first thing in the morning.  However today it was half empty and this is before the charges have been introduced..   We know people are very confused whether and when the car parking charges will be introduced.

So... fingers crossed for the first council meeting.  Lets see what happens. 

 

However this is in stark contrast to what we have to put up with.  We all know how bad the approach is to the Station Car Park.  Just think you may well soon have to pay for this too.  Talk about adding insult to injury.