Be sure to have your say on parking charges in Selsey

A questionnaire has been put together asking residents what effect they think car parking charges will have on the community and whether they want to keep their car parks free.

Selsey Town Council joined forces with Midhurst Town Council, which is also in the same position, to compile the questionnaire.

Both parish councils argue the charges could have a greater impact on the community and could destroy local businesses.

Residents and business owners attended Selsey Town Council's meeting on September 9, to discuss the plans which Chichester District Council (CDC) wants to enforce.

Selsey parish clerk Gill Jennings said: "There were 100 people at the meeting. It was an opportunity for residents and businesses to ask questions of the CDC representatives and air their views about the car parking charges. The bottom line is no-one wants them.

"There are petitions going around in the shops and at the council offices. Or they can just write in to the council separately."

The charges proposed will affect Selsey, East Wittering, Midhurst and Petworth. The car parks where charges have been proposed in Selsey are Marine car park in Hillfield Road, East Beach and East Street.

Selsey residents raised concerns that shoppers might not be able to park in the town after the charges were introduced, because everyone would opt to use the free car park at Budgens.

The plans suggest the first hour of parking would be free, for two hours it would cost 20p, up to four hours would cost 60p and for more than four hours it would be 1.

Figures published by Chichester District Council show introducing car parking charges could save it 86,000. The decision to introduce the charges has been deferred until 2011 or 2012. The consultation deadline is October 9.

East Wittering district councillor Graeme Barrett said the feeling in East Wittering for the car parking charges was positive.

"I was at the parish council's last meeting and they debated car parking charges at length. And they weren't against them," he said.

"The only real concern was whether there would be parking at Northern Crescent. But they were in favour of charges for the Bracklesham and Marine Drive car parks."

To view updates and get hold of a car park charges questionnaire log on to www.chichester.gov.uk and follow the 'car park charges' link.

To have your say, email your opinion to [email protected]

What do you think? Send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

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