Bid to get Sunday parking charges overturned

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition opposing the introduction of Sunday parking charges in Tamworth.

The charges were approved by members of Tamworth Borough Council last week.

Independent councillor Richard Kingstone, who set up the petition, said: "The small businesses that give life and character to our town centre are in real danger of shutting down due to these irrational charges."

Nova Arkney, the councillor responsible for infrastructure, heritage and local economy on the Labour-run authority, said the charges would generate approximately £100,000 annually.

She said this would be "vital income that will help protect essential services for our residents" and would bring Tamworth in line with other neighbouring authorities.

She also said she believed people saw Tamworth as a tourist destination and "will pay a small fee on a Sunday to park and use our facilities".

But Mr Kingstone said the Sunday car parking charges "threaten to destroy the very fabric of this community".

Because the petition has reached the 1,000 signature milestone it will be debated by councillors again and Mr Kingstone hopes they will reverse the decision.

Ms Arkney said she looked forward to meeting residents to discuss their concerns and to hear "alternative suggestions for generating the necessary income or reducing costs elsewhere".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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