"Kick in the teeth" for shoppers and traders
Nigel Clarke, key Lib Dem Activist and Brentwood business owner, is leading a campaign in the town centre against the increase in car parking charges.
The Highways Panel recently voted to increase car parking charges from 70p to 80p for an hour's parking but, most significantly for town centre traders, by 33% for those who want to park for up to five hours. This will cost £4 (up from £3) if the charges are approved by the Policy Board at the end of February.
The Liberal Democrats voted against the increase and asked for a freeze for this year, but the Conservative majority voted for the increases.
Those who work in the town centre, many of whom are Brentwood residents, will also be affected by the full daily rate rise from £8.50 to £10.00 - an additional £30 per month of you need to park five days a week.
Nigel, who has organised the campaign posters appearing in many shop windows in Brentwood Town Centre, said:
"Enough is enough. Many of the independent traders in Brentwood also live in the borough and are being hit hard by this stealth tax. I campaigned against the increase in car parking charges last year when I stood for borough council and I am astounded that this year we are seeing a further rise.
"Small and medium businesses, especially those who are local and are supporting the local economy in more ways than one, need the assistance of Brentwood Borough Council, not a further increase that will damage local trade and, potentially, put more retailers out of business."
"It's just another kick in the teeth for traders and shoppers alike."
Cllr David Kendall, Brentwood's Lib Dem leader, said:
"Retailers and independent traders are facing a difficult time, a fact borne out by the responses we are getting to our Local Business Survey and we need to help them through the economic crisis. I welcome Nigel's direct action in the town centre and hope the Conservatives listen."
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- Local business owner? Take our survey here...
- Car Park Charges set to rise