PLANS to remove on-street parking spaces in the centre of Church Stretton have been branded “laughable” by the town’s chamber of trade.
Last week, the Journal reported that Church Stretton Town Council had made its final recommendations to Shropshire Council about enhancing the town centre.
These included removing six parking spaces on High Street and replacing them with eight spaces on the Square.
Mr Huszak said this recommendation was inaccurate because the eight parking spaces on the Square already existed.
But Martin Huszak, speaking on behalf of Church Stretton Chamber of Trade, said: “The traders are not happy about losing the parking. It’s laughable.
“There has been no consultation about removing parking on High Street, the only consultation was about a one-way system.
“It’s been misleading. The town has not been consulted and most people you ask don’t know anything about losing the parking.
“The town council decision flies in the faces of residents.
“There was a petition of just under 1,200 people in a matter of days but this has been totally ignored.
Mr Huszak praised Craven Arms Town Council for providing free parking on the town’s public car park and urged Church Stretton to follow the example.
“Church Stretton Town Council has lost the plot on this one. They are building new housing behind the leisure centre so we need every parking space we can physically get.”
Mayor Councillor Bob Welch said: “The town council, in making its recommendations after extensive public consultation, has carefully weighed the interests of residents and visitors, both able-bodied and disabled, traders, shoppers and commuters, not only for the present but for the future.
“If Shropshire Council accepts the recommendations of the town council in relation to the parking strategy for the 270 on-street and off-street parking spaces within 50 metres of town centre shops, including some free off-street parking, the benefit will immensely outweigh the loss of six spaces on the High St, compensated by new parking enforcement on eight spaces in the Square.
“I am surprised Martin makes the comparison with Craven Arms, as he knows that making their small car park free for two years cost their Town Council £10,000, whereas the car parks in Church Stretton would cost this Town Council more than half its total income at £122,000 for the same time period.
“The town council is acutely conscious of traders’ anxieties and will work closely with Shropshire Council to minimise the impact on traders of whatever recommendations that council decides to implement.”