BROMSGROVE District Council has been forced to deny claims that discussions have taken place about bringing in car parking charges at Sanders Park.
They come from Coun Luke Mallett who said he heard about the talks from Worcestershire County Council, along with plans to extend the car park.
He added he had had it confirmed from a district council officer that discussions had taken place between Coun Peter Whittaker, Coun Karen May and officers.
He said he had been left angered by the situation and the ‘lack of communication’.
“I first heard about this from Worcestershire County Council – meaning no officer at Bromsgrove had the courtesy to speak to myself or Margaret, who are the local ward members.
“Had they done so, I would have been absolutely clear on my stance.
“I am totally opposed to the scheme because parks and leisure facilities should be free to access and there for everyone to use.
“We already pay for them through our taxes and if Bromsgrove Council had not squandered and wasted millions in taxpayers’ money over the past two decades they would not even be considering this.”
Coun Whittaker, the district council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Cultural services, said facilities belonging to the district council should always be under review.
“That includes ensuring Sanders Park has adequate car parking for its many visitors, particularly at peak times, which helps ensure car parking issues do not impact on the local residents.
“We are considering why local residents are finding that car parking there occasionally overspills into local side roads.”
He believes some people may be parking there even when they are not using Sanders Park, which has an impact on residents being able to use it.
“There are no proposals at this time.”
Coun May added: “We are aware of an issue with peak time overspill parking at the park but to date I’ve had no detailed conversation regarding charges there.”
n WHAT do you think? Would you be happy with car parking charges at Sanders Park? Maybe you feel it would be a good source of income for local services? Email your views to [email protected] or write to the address on page eight.
