Renewed objections to Midhurst parking plans
Midhurst Town Council has reiterated its objections to the introduction of charges in rural car parks across the Midhurst and Petworth area.
The renewed protest came after Chichester District Council (CDC) asked for final comments on its proposals as it prepares to set the new paying-for-rural-parking system in stone and introduce charges next April.
Town clerk Joan Hursthouse told CDC the timing of this final consultation on the controversal issue caused maximum inconvenience to parishes and minimised the publicity town and parish councillors were able to give to it.
She said the decision was taken by district councillors in December last year and this consultation had been delayed until the main summer holiday.
"Since comments are invited not later than September 13 which precedes the council's first meeting in September, I have no alternative but to resubmit the view of the council first expressed in response to the consultation on introducing car park charges in 2009."
Referring to the town council's original objection letter, she said councillors believed 'it is essential the special needs of Midhurst and other rural towns within the area are recognised by Chichester District Council, now and in the future'.
She also pointed out town councillors had warned the introduction of
charging would exacerbate congestion in the town.
Their worst fears had been confirmed and already problems had emerged
with the arrival of the new traffic wardens in town. This had been flagged up with district council officers.
"These problems will only worsen if charging is introduced into the car parks. Since CDC was aware these problems would result, it is insupportable the proposals be introduced without first addressing them.
Mrs Hursthouse said the district council's proposal to encourage alternative modes of transport had been noted.
"In a rural area the car is often the only possible mode of transport.
"Trains are non-existent, buses infrequent and distances too great for walking or cycling even if this were possible with bags of shopping."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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