Lib Dems force Tory re-think on Town Hall Car Parking charges

10.37.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Jun 2009

Car Park Charges petition is making a point with over 400 signatures

Brentwood's Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that the Conservative administration have committed to review the introduction of car parking charges in the Town Hall Car Parks at weekends. With Sunday charges already dropped after resident uproar and the news of a 400-strong petition organised by the Lib Dems, Saturday charges could soon follow.

The Lib Dem petition asks for a review of the car parking increases in the borough also and Lib Dem Leader Cllr David Kendall has now called on the Conservative administration running Brentwood Borough Council to offer residents free Saturday car parking whilst the High Street improvements are taking place.

His call follows the news that a number of small retailers in the town centre are really suffering financially during all the upheaval. Cllr Kendall believes that free Saturday parking would not only attract more shoppers back into the town but give retailers a much needed boost when they need it the most.

The Liberal Democrats have also offered to work with the administration on trying to come up with some new ideas to improve parking provision in the town.