Two Labour candidates for this year's local elections have come out strongly in favour of free parking in the Council’s Old Town car parks. Bob Cretchley, who is standing in Old Town and Paul Dixon, the candidate for Eastcott, which are the two wards covering the centre of Old Town, have both declared their support for the local traders who have been campaigning for free parking for the Old Town area.
Two Labour candidates for this year's local elections have come out strongly in favour of free parking in the Council’s Old Town car parks. Bob Cretchley, who is standing in Old Town and Paul Dixon, the candidate for Eastcott, which are the two wards covering the centre of Old Town, have both declared their support for the local traders who have been campaigning for free parking for the Old Town area.
In a joint statement, Bob and Paul said: “Old Town has a unique selection shops, pubs and restaurants and many of these are small businesses, locally owned. The nature of the Old Town shopping centre is one that tends to attract shorter term visits from shoppers and such activity is discouraged by car parking charges. Old Town is treated unfairly by the Council, as it is the only shopping area outside the town centre where people have to pay to park their cars. We want to see the council introduce free parking for up to two hours in the car parks in Old Town.
Local businesses have also asked for free parking to be introduced and we believe that any loss of car parking revenue would be far outweighed by the increased economic benefits generated in Old Town. In addition, free parking would help to stamp out unsocial and illegal parking which is a problem in the area.
The Labour Group on Swindon Council is in full support of this and we are now calling on Swindon’s Conservative Administration to support this proposal that will benefit both local businesses, shoppers and the local community.”
Bob Cretchley 07583 378430
Paul Dixon 07454 736769