Wem workers 'facing £750 annual parking bill'

Workers in a north Shropshire town could be clobbered with an annual bill of about £750 just to park near their places of work, campaigners against planned car parking charges claimed today.

People who drive to work in Wem town centre could be forced to cough up the amount according to campaigners from Churches Together in Wem, who are opposed to the proposals to introduce parking fees.

The group has calculated the potential cost based on proposals set out in Shropshire Council's draft parking strategy document.

The unitary council is set to decide on the plans in the coming weeks as part of efforts to "equalise" charges across Shropshire and boost income for Shirehall, which is facing £60 million in cuts.

Churches Together in Wem based its calculation on proposed charges given in the strategy document for someone working five days a week in Wem.

Shropshire Council proposes making a charge of £3 to park for up to 10 hours at the Mill Street, Leek Street and High Street car parks from April next year.

Imposing

Based on someone working full time in the town five days a week for 47 weeks of the year, the annual cost would be £705.

Sue Mathews, secretary to Churches Together in Wem, said: "Members of the churches in Wem feel strongly that imposing car parking charges will harm many activities in the town.

"As a community the people of Wem work hard to support a wide range of voluntary activities in addition to the churches.

"Many offer lifts to older members of the community who enjoy getting out.

"People going to these activities and helping others do not expect to pay to park in a small town like Wem.

"Those who live in Wem know that the car park is used by many people who work here.

"Are they going to be expected to pay up to £750 a year to park on the main car park?

"Yet anyone working in the old district council offices will be able to park free of charge. Is this fair?

"The shops in Wem provide excellent service to their customers but they are competing with the larger out-of-town stores in Shrewsbury and with the growing trend for shopping via the internet.

"Imposing car parking charges will be another factor encouraging customers to look elsewhere."

By Tom Johannsen