Whitchurch traders hopeful over parking fee cut

Business leaders in Whitchurch say they are 'hopeful' controversial parking charges in the town will be relaxed to help save traders on the brink of closure.

The charges, introduced less than six months ago, have failed to make a profit for Shropshire Council.

But Therese Hickland, chairman of Whitchurch Chamber of Trade, says despite the black hole in the budget, she believes the charges will be relaxed.

She said: "We have been speaking to the council for quite some time, suggesting that they change the prices per hour and scrap paid parking on a Sunday.

"They have been listening. We have had quite a positive response.

"All we would like is some consistency. I don't think the charges are too high, they just differ too much."

Shropshire Council has admitted it expected to raise £3,147,800 from car parking charges in the county for the 2011/12 financial year.

But the actual figure is on course to be £2,827,641 – a £320,159 shortfall.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council cabinet member for transport, revealed the shortfall at the Whitchurch and Prees Local Joint Committee meeting.

He said: "We've underachieved by £320,000 on the parking revenue. The proposed income was too high."

Mrs Hickland said she was not surprised. "You can't make money on empty car parks," she said.

"The car parks that are free like at Home Bargains and Tesco are always full, but people who work in town are the ones filling them up. I don't think it has had a devastating effect on trade in the area."

But town centre trader, Lynton Macrae, owner of Pets 2000 in High Street, said people are being driven out of the area. He said: "I know several people that have said they won't shop in Whitchurch again because of the charges."