COUNCIL TO CONSULT TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP AND CHAMBER OF TRADE ON OPTIONS FOR CAR PARKING CHARGES

PRESS RELEASE

24 June 2009

Last night at the REEA Committee Councillors considered a report on car parking charges.

The financial implications for the tax payers of the Borough were significant with a cost of up to £73,000 for some of the options considered, equivalent to approximately a 3% increase in Council Tax.

Councillor Nigel Angrave said:

"We need to look at options that are affordable to the Council and its tax payers.  We looked closely at the potential for cheaper parking at our long stay car parks on the less busy days in the town to draw in more visitors to support our businesses and felt that we need to discuss these options in more detail with the Town Centre Partnership and Chamber of Trade."

Town Centre Champion, Councillor Alison Freer, said "The Town is very busy on a Tuesday and there is no clear indication that a reduction will increase footfall.  There is probably more we can do by looking at other options and speaking with the businesses in the Town."

~ends~

For more information please contact:

Christine Marshall

Melton Borough Council

Telephone: 01664 502533

Email: cmarshall@melton.gov.uk