'This is wrong!' Wellington residents' outrage as council closes car park next to park
Controversy over facilities at a Wellington park continues after it was decided to close the car park during a family fun day next week.
Wellington's Town Council has announced it will keep the Pavilion Car Park closed on Tuesday, August 9, when a fun day is being held at nearby Bowring Park.
Protesters say drivers will instead park on side streets, causing congestion.
Together with Telford & Wrekin Council, officials say the car park, accessed off Herbert Avenue, can only be open when there are organised events on.
But the Bowring Park Users Association want the parking to be available throughout the summer holidays.
On Tuesday, August 2, the users group held what they described as a peaceful, static, protest when the car park was closed after a Nature Festival, organised by the town council as part of its Tuesday Family Fun days in the summer holidays.
However Wellington Town Council said it has decided to keep the car park closed this Tuesday in response to the protest.
In a statement, the town council says: "The children’s event planned at the Bowring Park on August 9 will go ahead but visitors should note that Wellington Town Council have decided that the Pavilion car park, accessed off Herbert Avenue, will not be available for use during the event.
"This is as a result of actions that took place during last week’s event. The Town Council have taken this decision in order to enhance the safety of attendees and staff. We thank you for your understanding."
A spokesperson for the users group said: "This is wrong - and there is wide spread support in the local community for this car park to be kept open throughout the school holidays."
Volunteers say they would lock and unlock the car park every day during the cafe opening hours in the park.
"This would increase the spaces for park users by another 30 plus spaces."
"The park attracts a large amount of Elderly people who are unable to walk from the town centre car park.
"Numerous residents in Herbert Avenue want the car park open during the holidays, as this will relieve parking outside their homes."
The town council is running a series of family fun days at the Bowring Park on Tuesdays throughout the school summer holidays.
Popular acts include PJ The Showman, Wrekin Forest School, ToriArts Dance and a nature festival. All the events are free and run from 11am-1pm.
