Press release from Erewash Labour Party
Erewash Borough Council to scrap free car parking
The Conservative run borough council have decided to scrap the extremely popular 1 hour’s free car parking in our town centres because of the need to find savings of 1.2 million in their budget.
Councillor Denise Mellors, Erewash’s Labour Group Leader, said
“Only 9 months ago free car parking was the Conservatives flagship policy in their manifesto at the local elections and it is disgraceful that they are breaking their promise to voters and taking this backward step. Did the Conservatives really not understand their budgetary position or were they just misleading voters?
Our high streets already face enormous challenges with rents and online competition. This incredibly damaging proposal may be enough to deter would-be shoppers and demonstrates a lack of understanding or empathy in local economies.
Labour Councillors in Ilkeston and Long Eaton are also very concerned about the impact on parking in residential streets surrounding our town centres. Residents already struggle to park outside their homes and this will make it worse”.
Catherine Atkinson, Chair of Erewash Labour Party said:
“Erewash Labour Party fought for one hour’s free car parking and we were pleased when the Conservative Councillors finally caved to our pressure. Their failure to take any other action to invest in our town centres has been abysmal. We are proud of our town centres but they need proper investment. We need to bring empty shops back into use and support local businesses. The Conservatives have run the Council for 17 years and demonstrate time and time again that they have no ambition for our area”.
