Thursday 7 November 2013

Free Parking coming to Hexham

I am pleased to report that Conservative led Hexham Town Council voted for Free Parking on Monday night. The policy of free parking was a key issue in May's County Council elections with all Conservative Town and County Councillors signed up to introducing the policy.

This is huge step forward boosting our town centre. Free, time controlled, parking is exactly the kind of thing Councils can do to help struggling traders and our small shops.

I have been a vocal supporter of free parking and have clashed with Council chiefs over the issue several times. I have taken a fair bit of stick for getting involved in the free parking debate, but this is undoubtedly the right thing for our town and I am proud to have supported it. I look forward to working with the Town and County Councils on its implementation.

It is a shame that the Labour and Lib Dem Town Councillors refused to back the move. This is bizarre - especially as it was a Labour pledge at the May 2013 County Council election. 

If the parking plan, which has been agreed by Hexham Town Council, is signed off by Northumberland County Council free parking in Hexham will be implemented from April 2014.