Good news for drivers, shops and local businesses!
For years, the Town Hall has been trying to introduce parking charges in many of those which are currently free.
This is in spite of the evidence from residents, shops and businesses that charges discourage local shopping.
Earlier this year, following the outcry by many local businesses, the council ‘paused’ the introduction of the charges at 25 sites around Wirral.
Last night, Conservative Councillors and opponents of the charges attended a meeting of the Council’s Policy & Resources Committee when a report was submitted proposing a further review of the whole parking strategy.
This would have only prolonged the uncertainty facing shops and businesses in the affected areas. Prior to the ‘debate’ by councillors on that committee.
Strangely, Reform Wirral argued against making a decision now on the 25 sites.
We do not believe this would have been good for our local shops and businesses. They need certainty and they need support - not least to tackle rising taxes, energy bills and business rates.
An amended proposal was submitted by Conservative Councillors and, we're pleased to report, after some ‘heated’ debate, eventually agreed.
The agreed proposal agrees to the review of the wider parking strategy. Crucially, however, it prevents the review from recommending charges at the 25 sites.
So, thank you to everyone for supporting our petition.
