Solihull MP slams Tory car parking charges as ‘crazy’
January 20, 2012 12:01 AM
Solihull MP Lorely Burt has slammed Tory Council plans to scrap free parking in Shirley town centre.
Mrs Burt raised the issue this week in the House of Commons during a debate on local high streets, highlighting that charging for the car parks would put more pressure on shops already struggling to make ends meet.
Lorely Burt raised the issue in the House of Commons this week
The plans will mean the car parks, which were previously free under the Liberal Democrats, will now begin charging for the first time, forcing people to pay to park if they stay longer than thirty minutes.
Commenting, Mrs Burt said:
"It is crazy. The Tory councillors talk about helping regenerate Shirley town centre but how is this meant to help? They are out of touch with the needs of local shopkeepers, who rely on the footfall that the free parking brings in order to survive.
"At a time of economic difficulty, this is the last thing that a struggling town centre needs. The council should be looking at ways to make it easier for the local shops, not harder. These charges will choke off Shirley town centre.
"To make matters worse, the council document doesn't even mention speaking to local residents about their views on the changes. The overflow created as people seek to avoid the charges will have a huge affect on the local residents, but the council don't seem to think speaking to them is important."
Commenting further, local campaigner and former Councillor Tim Hodgson said:
"I've stood on doorsteps and listened to local residents. They are furious that the council are making it harder for them to support their local shops. They are all feeling the pinch at the minute and many have said that this is the last thing that they need at this difficult economic time."
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