Conservative controlled North Norfolk District Council decided to play scrooge this Christmas by announcing the end of free car parking at two different sites in North Walsham. The decision will see the Midland Road and the Mundesley Road car park change from being free parking to parking for season tickets only from the 1st April 2012. A season ticket can cost as much as £200.
Local businesses fear that they will be hit by the Council’s shock announcement and that the removal of free parking from Mundesley Road will reduce the appeal of shopping in North Walsham. Nick Lee, vice chair of North Walsham Chamber of Commerce said “it’s amazing that in the current economic climate the council is hindering local businesses. This will help to stop the local economy growing just to raise a little extra cash for the council’s coffers”
What makes this announcement even more of a shock is that no North Walsham councillor was consulted about this extra charge. Lib Dem Councillor and Mayor of North Walsham, Vivienne Uprichard added “It’s deeply worrying when councillors in Cromer make decisions that can have such a detrimental impact with no knowledge of the local economy. I would expect the cabinet to have some form of discussions with local representatives.”
Local MP Norman Lamb said, “I am amazed by this decision. I urge the council to think again. This makes life more difficult for local businesses. We should be doing everything we can to support our local towns.
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