Parking charges could be 'death knell' for Wellingborough High Street, warns Conservative group

Cllr Simon Masters, leader of Wellingborough Town Council and leader of Wellingborough’s Conservative group, has criticised proposals by Reform-led North Northants Council (NNC) to introduce parking charges in currently free car parks across Wellingborough and Rushden.

The draft car park strategy proposes charges at Jacksons Lane and Wellingborough’s multi-storey car park, with parking for more than six hours potentially costing £10.

Charges are also proposed at several currently free car parks in Rushden.

Cllr Masters told the Northants Telegraph: “Wellingborough’s town centre is already facing significant challenges.

"We have a town centre masterplan intended to regenerate the heart of our town, yet before that regeneration has even been delivered, residents and businesses are being asked to consider paying more to park.

"How does that make sense?

"Our priority should be increasing footfall, supporting businesses and giving people reasons to visit our town centre not putting another financial barrier in their way.”

The local Conservative group is particularly concerned about the impact on workers and the local economy.

They say parking charges could add a significant additional cost for people who work in the town centre every day, while also affecting volunteers, community organisations and those already facing pressure from the cost of living.

They believe the proposals could also have consequences for the night-time economy, with restaurants, pubs and other businesses potentially affected if customers face additional costs or choose alternative destinations.

Cllr Masters added: “Small independent businesses depend on people coming into our town centres.

"If parking becomes more expensive, shoppers have alternatives.

"Rushden Lakes already offers up to five hours of free parking.

"We cannot make it easier for people to choose out-of-town retail or online shopping while telling our high streets that we want them to thrive.”

There are also concerns about parking displacement, with drivers seeking to avoid charges potentially parking on surrounding residential streets, increasing pressure on roads and creating difficulties for residents and emergency access.

The Conservative group is also questioning the financial case for the proposals.

The council’s draft strategy identifies revenue generation as a key objective, while new technology, payment systems, ANPR and enforcement will themselves carry implementation and ongoing costs.

Cllr Raz Koriya said: "The Reform-led NNC needs to think again.

"Before introducing new charges, the Reform-led NNC should be delivering the regeneration it has promised.

"Wellingborough needs investment, new businesses and increased footfall not policies that risk driving people away.”

The Conservative group on Wellingborough Town Council is calling on North Northants Council to reconsider the proposed introduction of charges in currently free car parks in Wellingborough and Rushden, and to properly assess the impact on local businesses, workers, residents, footfall and the wider regeneration of our town centres.

David Goss, chairman and Conservative Parliamentary spokesman for Wellingborough and Rushden Conservative Association has written to NNC leader, Cllr Martin Griffiths, asking the council to reconsider proposed parking charges in Wellingborough and Rushden.

Mr Goss said: “I have written to Cllr Martin Griffiths at North Northamptonshire Council ahead of the executive meeting on 15 September to raise concerns about the proposed parking charges in Wellingborough and Rushden, and to ask the council to reconsider the proposals.

"Our town centres need increased footfall and strong local businesses, and parking policy should support that.

"Before introducing additional costs for people visiting our town centres, we need to be confident that these proposals will not undermine the

wider regeneration efforts.

"I have asked the council to set out the evidence behind the proposals, including the impact on businesses, footfall and the cost of introducing and enforcing the new system, and to confirm whether it will reconsider the introduction of charges in currently free car parks.

"I would also encourage residents who are concerned about these proposals to contact their local Reform councillors and make their views known.

"Local residents deserve to have their voices heard before any final decision is made.”

As reported yesterday by the Northants Telegraph, Reform-led NNC has said that following discussion by councillors next week, the draft strategy will go out for public consultation.

And at this stage, no final decisions have been made on parking in North Northants Council-owned car parks.

Speaking yesterday, Cllr Chris McGiffen, executive member for highways and travel at NNC, said: "This draft strategy is designed to help ensure that all North Northamptonshire Council owned car parks are fair, accessible and easy to use, while also supporting local businesses by improving the availability and turnover of spaces at some sites which have been mis-used over the years.

“It is hoped that proposals to modernise our systems and harmonise tariffs could resolve the disparity of the current system, whilst improving the service and ensure that parking services remain self-sustaining for the future.”