Wellingborough meeting tonight to discuss potential charges at council-owned car parks

North Northants Council (NNC) recently set out a new draft car parking strategy, which shows that charges could now be introduced in Wellingborough and Rushden, bringing them in line with Corby and Kettering where drivers are charged to use council-owned car parks.

NNC announced its proposals for a more standardised approach that would ‘reduce confusion for users.’

Cllr Rayaz Koriya (Conservative) has expressed concern about the impact potential parking charges could have on the long-term viability of the town centre.

He said: “For us, this is part of a wider concern about the direction being taken by the Reform-led North Northamptonshire Council.

"The proposed introduction of parking charges would add another cost for people who live, work, shop and visit our town centres.

"This is a clear departure from the promises Reform made during the May 2025 elections, when they campaigned against increasing the financial burden on local residents.

"Since taking control of the council, however, residents have faced a 4.99 per cent council tax increase, higher garden waste charges and now the prospect of paying to park in car parks that are currently free.

“Reform promised to reduce the financial burden on local people. Instead, they are now actively increasing costs.”

Cllr Koriya had invited the leader of NNC, Cllr Martin Griffiths, to the meeting being held tonight at Alma Street Church, however Cllr Griffiths has ‘prior commitments outside of North Northamptonshire’ and will be unable to attend.

He had also called for a motion to submit objections to the introduction of any tariffs and or restrictions.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Simon Masters, who said: “This is an important issue for our residents and businesses, and one which deserves proper discussion and scrutiny.

"I hope that, if attendance is not possible on this occasion, an alternative opportunity can be arranged for the leader to meet with the town council and answer questions about the proposals and their potential impact on Wellingborough."

NNC say that, where no tariff is charged for a public car park, the provision of the car park is effectively paid for by all taxpayers in north Northamptonshire rather than the users of the car park, and that ‘adopting a ‘user pays’ principle provides a consistent, reliable and sustainable option for users.’

A further motion has also been put forward by Cllrs Paul Bell and Chris Ashton on tonight’s meeting’s agenda, calling on North Northants Council to ‘enter into negotiations’ with Wellingborough Town Council to transfer the multi-storey car park and the Jackson Lane car park to be maintained for one year while the town council makes necessary arrangements for an agreement to take over the running of the car parks.

The move has also caught the ‘frustration’ of Wellingborough and Rushden MP, Gen Kitchen, who launched a petition opposing the plans, as it would ‘harm local businesses, discourage visitors and make life harder for residents.’

The meeting will begin at 7pm, with members of the public invited to attend.