Mixed response to Newport parking warden idea

Earlier this month it was announced that Telford & Wrekin Council is deciding whether to obtain Civic Parking Enforcement powers to fine people who park on High Street and St Mary Street. Cars are permitted to park for 40 minutes but employees and shoppers often park all day

A public meeting will be held in the Guildhall on High Street tonight from 7.15pm.

Newport & District Chamber of Trade and Commerce has backed the proposal but it has been met with a mixed response from traders.

Anthea Gould, who runs Toggs and Cloggs in High Street, said: "I think this is a bad idea. What people love about Newport is that they can come here and park for as long as they wish.

"Shoppers want to come here and go walk around at their own pace. They don't want to be worried about getting a ticket from a traffic warden.

"I've been coming into the town most days for seven years and never had a problem."

Sue Tranter, from the Cookshop in High Street, added: "I can only speak for my business when I say we have never had any problems.

"Enforcing the parking restrictions will be good for some and bad for others. But from my experience there is no strong need for parking wardens."

However Alison Hayward, who owns The Book Nook in St Mary Street, said a customer drove past her shop over three days because he could not find a space.

She said: "I fully understand people who work in the town need somewhere to park, but we do need to help shoppers park near the shops they want to go to."

Russell Griffin, from for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The council is starting a public consultation and will decide early next year whether to apply for the powers in April 2013."

By Joseph Masi