Council defends under-fire Ellesmere wardens
Council chiefs have hit back at claims by councillors in Ellesmere that people are too scared to come to the town because of 'over-policing' by parking attendants.
Councillors claim the sight of too many attendants is causing people, especially the elderly, to become distressed and shop elsewhere.
But Shropshire Council today said there has been no significant increase in attendants in the town and people have nothing to worry about if they don't park illegally.
Councillors raised the issue at Ellesmere Town Council's meeting where they announced they would write to Shropshire Council to ask for a financial breakdown of how much it costs to manage the car parks.
Councillor Ian Ward said the town was being 'over-policed' and felt the number of attendants should be reduced because there isn't enough work for them.
But although Councillor Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, understood the concerns, he claimed the town was in a good position.
Councillor Steve Charmley, cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said: "Shropshire Council's enforcement officers have a wide role to play which includes ensuring that cars are parked legally and are not causing any obstruction for other road users and ensure that pedestrian safety is observed."
