Four hundred people have signed a petition protesting against increased parking charges in Ludlow town centre.
The petition, organised by Frances Pryor who lives in College Court, was handed to South Shropshire District Council earlier this week and was also signed by many businesses in the town.
In March, the council approved the following increases: daily rates in Galdeford car park would rise from £1 to £2 on the lower levels and from £3 to £4 on the upper levels. In Smithfield car park, the daily rate would rise from 60p to £1.50.
There are also plans to turn Castle Street car park into a short-stay car park, with a maximum stay of four hours costing £2.
Ms Pryor told the Journal: “A lot of people are saying to me, ‘I didn’t know about this. I haven’t been consulted.’
“The idea is that car parks should be freed up for visitors. But visitors are transient, they come and go. People who work here are what makes the town tick.”
Businesses to have signed the petition include the Rose and Crown, the Church Inn, the George and the Blue Boar. Butchers D. Wall and A. Francis have also given their support, as have Deli on the Square, Castle Book Shop, the Silk Top Hat Gallery and several restaurants.
The petition rejects the council’s suggestion that people who live and work in Ludlow should use the park and ride.
Ms Pryor added: “People don’t want to be in the park and ride late at night. Using it can add at least an hour to their working day.
“I live in College Court and I’ll be allowed a maximum four hours parking.
“It was recommended to me that I apply for a disabled badge so I can park. So I’ll have to develop a limp. I’m a fit old codger, I don’t want to get a disabled badge.”
The new charges have not yet come into effect and the signatories of the petition urge the council to to reverse its decision.
They have sent copies to the chairman, vice chairman and leader of the council and to Mike Geary, the revenue services manager.
