Hundreds sign petition against on-street parking charges in Cockermouth
Last updated at 19:59, Thursday, 06 January 2011
Hundreds of people have signed a petition in Cockermouth to protest about an idea to introduce charges for on-street parking.
The petition was set up by Cockermouth’s chamber of trade in response to one of a number of options being discussed by Cumbria County Council as part of its budget review.
Jonty Chippendale, outgoing chamber chairman, said: “If we are to compete with the likes of Asda, Tesco and Morrisons we must be given support by the powers-that-be, not kicked in the teeth while we are just getting back on our feet.
“We will not let up in our campaign for a sensible car parking strategy from county or borough councils.
“Our petition is gathering names quickly and is widely supported by the shoppers of Cockermouth, who are our town’s lifeblood.”
Paul Carr, owner of Firns Home Hardware in Station Street, said: “Hundreds of people have come into the shop and signed the petition.
“The proposed on-street charges are exactly what Cockermouth doesn’t need and will drive customers away.”
A public meeting will be held by the county council at Christ Church on Tuesday, between 7pm and 9pm, and chamber members plan to address the issue then.
A county council spokesman said: “Unlike most other areas of the country, there are currently no charges for on-street parking anywhere in Cumbria.
“We are looking at the possibility of introducing charges in city and town centre areas and tourist hotspots to raise revenue in the face of spending reductions.
“Blue badge holders would not be affected by these charges.
“Currently this is just an option. The council is undertaking a full and comprehensive public consultation and no decisions have yet been made.
“It is important that people take the time to give us their feedback so that we can make the best decisions possible within the current economic climate, so we’re pleased to hear that people in Cockermouth are making their views known.
“We will be happy to receive the petition if this reflects the views of local residents.
“The more feedback we receive the more accurately our consultation will reflect public opinion. We would encourage people to let us know what they think about the proposals.”
First published at 19:33, Thursday, 06 January 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
Cockermouth is a nightmare for parking anyway, I always park on Sainsburys, but its amazing how many people double park on the road into the Sainsburys car park, plus some days you have to drive round and round it to find a space. The most sensible thing to do would be to build another municipal car park a bit further out but still in walking distance. I like the shops in Cockermouth, but sometimes go all the way to carlisle just because the parkings easier
View all 5 comments on this article
Have your say
The proposals for on street parking are yet another step towards making life for residents and visitors unpleasant and difficult. Councils, rather than easing life and facilitating a pleasant living space appear to be immune and indifferent to the lives of others. They are surely our paid representatives rather than persocuters. Other towns in neighbouring counties like Barnard Castle offer free on street parking facilities - so itr is all too possible. Life in the coming year is going to be tougher for many so there is absolutely no real need to add to the burden for so many. Cockermouth is not a metropolis and apeing big city policies in a rural area is inappropriate and hurts peoiple who lack so many facilities already. Please stop this now!
Posted by Alan on 10 January 2011 at 17:43