Graham reports back from Friends of Scholes Park meeting
Cheadle and Gatley Liberal Democrats
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Graham reports back from Friends of Scholes Park meeting
Gatley's Lucy Boxes
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Labour partial u-turn on car park charge hike
by Lib Dem team on 14 March, 2018
Cllr Iain Robert with Lib Dem campaigner Claire Halliwell
It’s official! Following pressure from the Lib Dems, residents and business, Labour have made a partial u-turn on their plans to hike car parking charges in Cheadle car parks.
Labour, who run Stockport Council, are now proposing the two hour charge be increased from 30p to 40p with the three-hour charge increased from £1.50 to £1.60. The £5 all-day fee will stay the same.
“The Lib Dems argued that parking charges in villages like Cheadle should not increase. We are glad that Labour have partially backed down and are now proposing a smaller increase than before, but we still want to see them frozen. Our shopping centres are struggling and higher car parking charges for shoppers will make things even harder for them,” said Cllr Iain Roberts
16 Comments
Personally I think car parking charges in shopping centres should be higher. It’s the only way to stop people driving everywhere and making what is a lovely little village heavily congested. Look at many other cities and towns across the world, including the mini-holland scheme in London. Invest in walking, cycling, and sustainable transport, and make it more difficult to drive, and small businesses in small areas can prosper. We don’t need to facilitate driving to do so.
We need better public transport Ian. We’re campaigning for a train or tram station in Cheadle for exactly that reason. Right now, driving is the only realistic option for most people so if you hike the car parking prices, they’ll simply shop elsewhere.
As always, we’re also pushing to move cycling and walking plans forward. They need to be a part of the mix, but we need them in place first.
Some people already park on double yellow lines simply because there are no traffic wardens, or at least I haven’t seen any. Increase the parking charges and more will do so.
I have seen on many occasions the traffic wardens in Cheadle booking people well into the early evening ,why wouldn’t they its how they get paid on results,not a job I would like as they emerge from the dark to move in on their prey.
Ian,
It’s pleasing to see the impact the campaign has had on parking for up to three hours.
However, for me the main issue has not been addressed, most shoppers don’t park for more than an hour, so why not introduce a one hour tariff for 20p or keep the 30p for up to one hour.
In this way shopping in Cheadle won’t have a 40p Premium compared with shopping at Sainsburys.
How can anyone complain at 40p to shop there for 2hrs? Compared to other areas it’s peanuts.
I agree that 40p for 2 hours is not expensive BUT I think the first half hour should be free. There are many occasions when I feel the need to visit Cheadle Village for a very short visit to the bank or one particular shop or just to collect something. I find it very frustrating especially as limited parking is free in Gatley.
I agree with Tony I only go for a quick visit, chemist usually . Object to 30p so definitely will not pay 40p as there are not enough decent shops to warrant being there for 2 hours.
We never hear much from traders in the village. Is that because they feel that an increase will not impact on trade?
When we spoke to traders they were very concerned, John, and the Federation of Small Businesses came out very strongly against the proposals
Ian,
It seems we all agree that 40p isn’t expensive for two or three hours, the issue is that few shoppers spend more than 30 to 60 minutes in Cheadle.
If limited parking is free in Gatley, why not the same in Cheadle?
Not enough shops in Gatley to warrant even going any more I’m afraid.
Hi Vin, all parking is free in Gatley. We do need to review the parking fees in Cheadle, but that will have to take into account how much money the council has available.
Hear, hear. I tend to visit Cheadle for up to 30 minutes at a time, except if I am going to the library when I might stay for about an hour. On these occasions I try to park so that I have a walk through the car park, rather than driving through to Ashfield Road because it is so difficult and slow to get along the High Street.
Roll on the provision of a platform(s) for the re-established Cheadle station stop providing fast trains to Stockport, Manchester and elsewhere.
Where have negotiations got to?
The Cheadle station is one of a number TfGM is looking at for a bid for Government funding. We are hoping it makes the shortlist and working to make the case with the council.