Oswestry ‘Trader’s Day’ parking plan hits problem
Monday 5th July 2010, 12:55PM BST.
A bid to allow free parking during Oswestry’s inaugural “Traders’ Day” could present enforcement problems, town councillors have been warned.
Organisers of the celebration have called for Oswestry Town Council to allow shoppers to park for free during the day-long celebrations.
They say lifting parking restrictions is essential to ensure the event, on July 31, is a success.
But providing free parking may not be straightforward, members of Oswestry Town Council will be told at a meeting on Wednesday night.
In report to go before the meeting, council events manager David Clough says: “A concern of the town clerk and one of the issues for consideration that has been shared with the organisers is how the car parks will be managed on the Saturday.
“If no charging takes place then enforcement of time is impossible and all- day parking will be encouraged rather than a turnover of spaces.
“The actual incentive required therefore could possibly work against the overall aim.
“This is a matter for careful consideration by elected members.”
The day has been organised by the Oswestry Traders’ Group and is aimed at celebrating and showcasing the best of Oswestry’s independent businesses.
If successful, organisers hope it will become an annual event and draw in thousands to the town.
Businesswoman Wendy Unwin, of the Oswestry Traders’ Group, said in her request to the council: “We currently have over 45 businesses taking to the streets to promote their trade, along with the heritage railway running, and entertainment throughout the town.
“We do not want people to miss out on the whole experience of the day due to restrictions of car parking.”
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The problem being that if you provide free parking – as so many towns in North Shropshire know to their cost – the spaces will be filled with town workers taking advantage and the shopppers will end up being squeezed out.
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“Providing free parking may not be straightforward”. What part of free do they not understand? Its simple, you let people park as normal and they don’t have to pay because they are supporting the local economy. Until councils started to use parking as a cash cow and driving away shoppers that is how it always used to be.
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What can be so complicated about not charging for a day, people are putting themselves out to promote Oswestry, with this event and its our own council that is putting obstructions in the way.
Think its about time we had new blood on the council, and move into the 21st centry.
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whats up with his council, I know many could do with being replaced with some new blood and to get into the 21st century.
All is what being asked is that the carparks have a cover put over the machines to say “not in use”, just for the traders day, a day being thought up and arranged by a few traders to help bring people into the town, which I am sure should be part of what the council should be doing.
So come town council, just put the cover over the machines, it is that simple!!!
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