A WESTBURY petition challenging Wiltshire Council’s car parking policy has been signed by over 2,000 signatories so far.
Since free one-hour parking was scrapped by Wiltshire Council in April last year, traders, shoppers, and councillors have protested at the detrimental effect the charges are having on the town.
Last month, the town council and Westbury Chamber of Commerce launched a petition to challenge Wiltshire Council’s car parking policy, and asked for the people of Westbury to show their support by signing it. The bulk of the petition was counted earlier this week, but it is still possible for people who have not yet signed, to add their voice and strengthen the cause.
The petition will be handed to the next meeting of the Westbury Area Board on 14th April.
Westbury Mayor cllr David Windess said, “We have had a good response but can always use more. This petition shows the feelings of the people of Westbury – it’s not just the costs to the shoppers, it has an effect on the already struggling businesses.”
Cllr Bill Braid says that Wiltshire Council needs to pay attention to the recent Portas Review, where the government commissioned retail guru, Mary Portas, investigated the decline of the nation’s high streets. He draws attention to one of her recommendations; ‘Local areas should implement free controlled parking schemes that work for their town centres and we should have a new parking league table.’
Bill said, “I think Mary Portas has got it absolutely right. On our petition we want as many people as we can get.”
Cllr Sue Ezra said, “I am pleased with the number of signatures, but we do need more. I would like to see 3,000 or more.”
Why the petition
was necessary
David Jenkins, president of the Westbury Chamber of Commerce said, “The thinking behind the petition was to see if it would be possible for the town council to take over the management of the local car parks with the aim of getting the Westbury car parking charges down to band 4, which is the lowest band.
“ I see the petition as an opportunity to try and do something about the charges, otherwise nothing will happen. The local economy needs as much help as it can and if this is one way of doing it, then why not give it a go.
“To change or amend Wiltshire Council’s car parking policy will be difficult and must not be underestimated. The main thing is to get as much support as possible from the local community and in my estimation, at least 2,000-plus signatures would be required in order for the petition to have any impact. Wiltshire Council have to listen to the voice of the people.
“Should the petition achieve good support and Wiltshire Council decide to enter into negotiations, the town council will need to produce a proven business case or model to show how the car parking can be managed to meet with and satisfy Wiltshire Council’s requirements. This will not be an easy task.”
