Lyme Regis: Plea for car parking charges to be extended to 9pm (From Thisisdorset)

Lyme Regis: Plea for car parking charges to be extended to 9pm

10:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Latest By James Tourgout

COUNCILLORS have call-ed for charges to be re-instated to 9pm at district council car parks in Lyme Regis.

Members of Lyme Regis Town Council’s strategy and policy committee made the plea as they drew up their comments to go to West Dorset District Council as it reviews its charges.

They welcomed district council plans to freeze charges but wanted the fees for long stay car parks at Holmbush and Charmouth Road to increase – possibly to about £3.

They also wanted the district council to stop its policy of free parking after 6pm – especially in the Monmouth Beach car park.

Some members felt that the cost of the district council’s charges undercut fees in the town council’s own car parks as well as the park and ride scheme.

They also warned that having low charges failed to deter motorists from driving into town and that the different charges confused visitors.

Coun Daryl Turner, who is also a district councillor, said that the district council was harmonising charges across all its car parks.

Coun Michaela Ellis said: “Every town has its own uniqueness.

“They should be consulting more and looking at what happens in the rest of the town.”

Mayor Sally Holman was in favour of free car parking after 6pm and said it would benefit businesses in the evenings.

Coun Lucy Campbell said they should encourage the district council to charge until a 9pm finish time.

Coun Chris Clipson added: “It is very obvious that visitors to the town are very confused at the different car parks by different authorities. There ought to be some harmony.”

'Don't give another bite at cherry'

COUNCILLORS also went in to closed session to discuss whether to renew the district council’s lease on the Monmouth beach car park.

Pensioner Peter Williams, of Summerhill Road, made a plea before the meeting for them, to refuse it.

“The extra income will certainly assist towards the payment of the extra staff you propose to employ, which raise the wages bill considerably.

“It will allow you to bring forward urgent proposals and will also resolve any dilemma regarding charging times at the Cobb.”

He added: “WDDC were given long notice that Lyme Regis Town Council would wish to hold on to this lease, more than needed to set their own budget.

“Ten years ago we extended their lease as quid pro quo for their running of the TIC. Please do not give them another bite at this cherry.”