Free weekend parking is being introduced in Rotherham town centre from November 21st after 3.00pm and at the weekends to boost town trade in the run up to Christmas. The scheme applies to all council-operated car parks and on-street parking bays throughout each weekend and after 3.00pm for the rest of the week. Wirral Council, offered 'free after3' parking initiative on every Thursday for Birkenhead, Liscard and Heswell and West Kirby in the run up to Christmas.
The initiative funding was made possible by the Government's national cut in VAT from 17.5% to 15% last December 2008, which was not passed on to the public and would fund  the scheme.

In Knutsford we have seen increases in parking payable from April 1st 2009 and an increase in traffic wardens on our streets to help deter shoppers from parking in our town.

 In an attempt to boost footfall, Knutsford retailers have offered 2 hours free parking by refunding the cost of parking for this period on purchases made in their stores. Isn't it about time Cheshire East, instead of opposing any parking initatives through lack of funds, dig into their pockets and refund the monies from the reduction in VAT to the people of Knutsford as with other Councils. Why is Cheshire East not committed to passing on these reductions on the overpaid parking and not offering a period of free parking so the local community benefits in these difficult trading conditions.

The Knutsford Business Club, postponed its October meeting but in the meantime has been looking at possible solutions to break the apparent void, between what the traders need in difficult trading times to stimulate more footfall and the stance by Cheshire East to say that it is not financially feasible.  'The Keep Knutsford Busy Campaign'  is still alive and kicking and would love to hear your thoughts regarding this initiative which needs to be heard and responded to at the next Council Cabinet meeting in order to be implemented in time.

Cheshire East  should follow this initiative by other councils at the next cabinet meeting and provide Free parking in Knutsford over the run up to this Christmas.

Contact Bryan, Ray or Len Thomson at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it