At its June Cabinet meeting, the Council proposed introducing car-parking fees at Coate Water and Lydiard Park.
The Council hope that this will generate £400,000 across the two parks, whilst conceding that the level of income will be hard to predict as this is an entirely new model. The Council argues that this figure of £400,000 will help to balance its budget and make the parks sustainable.
Councillor Abdul Amin said:
“We are sad to see charges introduced to access Coate Water. There are people in the town who are in the position of having to watch every pound they spend and this may stop them and their children from accessing the parks with all the benefits for health and well-being this can bring.“
Local Councillors Emma, Steve and Abdul will monitor the impact of the parking charges when they are introduced and any negative impacts of parking on the local area.
Thanks to the 603 people who participated in the Coucnils’ consultation exercise. While only 6% of those responding believed parking charges were a good idea, 36% accepted the need for charges. However, 32% strongly opposed the move.
Proposed charges :
£1 for up to 2 hours
£2 all day
£30 annual season ticket
£60 annual season ticket for Coat and Lydiard