Hostility to Midhurst car parking plans grows
Hostility to proposals to improve the environment of the ancient heart of Midhurst by reducing car parking is growing.
More than 40 people, mostly from the Sheep Lane, Edinburgh Square, Church Hill and Knockhundred Row area, have signed a letter to pile on the pressure to have the plan for Market Square and Church Hill thrown out.
They claim the planned reduction in car parking spaces will compound difficulties already facing residents and visitors in the town's historic core, with on-street parking mostly limited to an hour.
And they warn if housing is built on the site of the present Grange Centre, there will be an even greater need for residents' parking and around 100 fewer parking spaces to meet it.
West Sussex County Council is leading the enhancement proposal, working with Chichester District Council, Midhurst Town Council and Midhurst Town Trust. The latter owns the Market Square land.
At its centre, the scheme envisages banning car parking in part of Market Square and in the vicinity of the war memorial in Church Hill, opening up public space for seating and events.
Resurfacing of the road in a softer tone is proposed as part of the enhancement, and making part of West Street one way.
An offer of 200,000 towards the 350,000 cost of the scheme has been made by the Monument Trust, one of the Sainsbury family charities, with the county earmarking 150,000 in next year's budget.
But the residents claim there is no support for any of the parking proposals from people who live in the town.
They accuse the county and district councils of failing to work together in a cohesive manner to deal with the issues which will result from more housing provision and less car parking space.
And they say both fail to recognise the needs of an ageing population.
The group calls on the proponents of the scheme to form 'a cohesive parking and housing plan that actually meets the needs of the town and its elderly population' and ensures the future of Midhurst as the 'heart' of the South Downs National Park.
West Sussex County Council is preparing a report following a period of public consultation on the improvement plan.
A county spokesman said the report would be presented for discussion at the next North Chichester County Local Committee meeting, which will be held in public in Midhurst on September 28.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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