Parking charges plan sparks anger (From Bury Times)

Parking charges plan sparks anger

8:50am Friday 5th February 2010

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A STORM is brewing after it was revealed parking charges are set to be introduced in the heart of Prestwich.

Proposals to put meters on the Fairfax Road car park emerged this week — in a bid to help balance Bury Council’s books.

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis has accused the ruling Conservatives of deception and saying the proposals will damage the town’s trade.

But council leader Cllr Bob Bibby said he is following procedure and the move will help traders.

Last week, the council published a budget document, saying it would gain £35,000 by increasing car parking charges in Bury. But it did not mention Prestwich specifically. Parking has been free at the car park, next to Our Lady of Grace Church hall, for many years.

Calling it an example of deception, Mr Lewis said: “If they get away with this I have no doubt that within a year they will extend charges to the Longfield Centre and all other car parks in Prestwich.

“I urge people to join my ‘no to parking charges’ campaign. A petition will be available at my office at 381 Bury New Road.”

Before Christmas, Liberal Democrat Cllr Richard Baum urged the Conservatives to make parking free after 3pm in Bury. Cllr Bibby said this would now be trialled in Prestwich.

Cllr Baum said: “The proposal would damage businesses,The idea worked in Rochdale because there were parking charges in place already. Prestwich parking is free already so charging before 3pm is obviously going to have a negative effect.”

Speaking to The Guide, Cllr Bibby did not reveal when charging would start or what it would cost.

He said it is likely to be cheaper than in Bury town centre and the initiative would be reviewed after a year, and added: “For years, my mailbox has been inundated with complaints about people using this car park and then going to Manchester on the Metrolink.

“We put a barrier down on the Longfield car park until 9.30am and that is only a partial solution. This will benefit businesses.”

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