Calls for free parking in Market Drayton

The calls were made by members of the public at a town meeting held in Market Drayton.

Market Drayton town councillor Roger Smith said he was fighting against car parking charges ever since they were first introduced in the town.

He said: “Ever since I was a business owner I was adamant that parking charges should not be introduced in the town. I still feel that way now."

More than 20 people attended the town meeting to voice their concerns about Shropshire Council’s car parking consultation.

One member of the public said: “This consultation is geared towards Shrewsbury. We are paying for Shrewsbury to have a better transport network.

“I think we should work with the other market towns and get this consultation stopped and started again on an individual basis. We need free parking in Market Drayton so the town can thrive like Newport and Wellington.”

Councillor Mark Whittle, deputy mayor of Market Drayton, said the increase in parking charges were a concern.

He said: “We need to fight for the town. Market Drayton is an island that has very poor public transport links. We are currently seeing the systematic destruction of a market town and I will fight these car parking changes as they would have a negative impact on the town.”

Councillor Roy Aldcroft, Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton East, said Shropshire Council has to save £12 million this year, and this is one of the money saving schemes.

He said: “I suppose we are obliged to do our bit in regards to helping save money.

“However, I would suggest we stay the same in regards to keeping the Newport Road car park free, keeping the 15 minutes stop and shop, and also keeping the charging hours the same.

“If we accept the parking charge increase and hopefully this will satisfy the powers that be."

Geoff Vernon, chairman of the Festival Drayton Centre, said the town was "livid" about the car parking proposals.

He said: “I addressed the town council months ago about these changes and told them how upset the town was. What have you done since my rallying call?”

Councillor Aldcroft replied: “We have encouraged as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and get their views heard. I have had words with Steve Davenport, cabinet member for highways and transport, and the one thing he is saying is that the proposals are flexible. All forms and comments will be taken on board.

“Market Drayton Town Council will be meeting in two weeks where we will make a collective statement to the county council."