Church Stretton residents will soon have the chance to have their say on the controversial issue of parking in the town.
A special meeting has been arranged next month. Shropshire Council has produced a draft parking strategy for towns and is inviting comments on its proposals.
“This strategy has been developed to provide a consistent approach to parking across the county, making best use of the current arrangements, whilst reflecting local issues in market towns,” said Town Council chairman Cllr Bob Welch.
“There are many issues residents and businesses of Church Stretton and the surrounding area need to consider.
“Whilst it is not proposed to charge for on-street parking in Stretton, the aim is to encourage drivers to head straight for the car parks and not ‘hunt’ for on-street free space. Perhaps then there’s the possibility of free or very low cost off street parking for the first 30 minutes.”
“There are lots of issues: what about season tickets for car parks, residents parking permits, what should parking cost to ensure there is no addition to the Council tax, and what are the implications for enforcement?” added Cllr Welch.
All are invited to join the debate at a public meeting, arranged jointly by the Town Council and the Church Stretton Area Partnership, on September 2, at 7pm, in the Silvester Horne Institute, when the proposals will be outlined.
Copies of the Parking Strategy and of the consultation response form are on the town website www.churchstretton.co.uk