Ironbridge parking fee U-turn pleases businesses

The cost of permits for businesses in the Gorge will be cut, after a meeting of the Ironbridge Business Consortium.

The meeting was organised by local business owner and Gorge Parish Councillor Carolyn Healy who, with a few members of the consortium, met with Telford & Wrekin Councillors Lee Carter and Angela McClements to raise concerns on about the increase in parking costs.

Ms Healy said: “Members of the Ironbridge Business Consortium were concerned about the increase in parking costs for businesses in Ironbridge and this was raised at a recent meeting.

"I was pleased to have been able to have organised a meeting with both Councillor Carter and Councillor McClements on this issue, together with a few members of the business consortium.

"We did raise our concerns about the increase in costs for parking from £55 to £115 per year. I am delighted that we were listened to and that the decision has now made the decision to revert back to the previous charge of £55 per year.

"This will definitely help businesses in the Gorge.”

The councillors said that savings in other areas have made money available which has allowed the parking charges to be cut.

Councillor Carter said: “This issue was also raised with me by The Gorge Parish Council and myself and Councillor McClements agreed to meet some members of the business consortium to listen to their concerns.

"We do recognise that Ironbridge is a World Heritage Site and we are very keen, as part of our business winning, business supporting approach to ensure that we do support businesses in our major tourist attraction.

"It was a difficult decision at the time to increase costs as part of our budget savings proposals, but I am delighted we were able to find some further funding, after better than expected commercial performance of the council, to revert back to the previous charge.”

Councillor Nicola Lowery, ward member for the Ironbridge Gorge, said: “Having met with the local Business Consortium in Ironbridge, I raised these concerns with the council as I greatly appreciate the effect this level of increase will have on local businesses.

"The increase from £55 to £115 per annum saw an increase in the costs of annual permits to local business to 110 per cent, which is significant.

"Therefore, I am delighted to hear that the council has listened to the representations made and has decided to reverse this increase.

"It is important that the council looks to supports businesses where possible and as the local ward member I shall continue to work with businesses to ensure we can sustain a vibrant economy for local businesses which makes Ironbridge such as unique destination”.