Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge MP Sir Gavin Williamson has launched the petitionMore than 1,000 people have backed calls for Stafford Borough Council to offer free car parking in Stone.Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge MP Sir Gavin Williamson has launched the petition, calling on the borough council to offer two hours’ free car parking for Stone visitors at its sites in Christchurch Way and Crown Street.He said on his website: “You will no doubt be aware of the challenges facing high streets, not just throughout Staffordshire, but up and down the country. As your local Member of Parliament, I have been steadfast in my support for our high streets and the businesses and organisations which call them home.“I am particularly concerned about the future of local high street businesses, given that they continue to face increasing overheads, including on rent, National Insurance contributions, and potential massive increases to their business rates. Whilst I have tirelessly campaigned on these issues, such as by hosting a recent debate on business rate relief in Parliament, I believe that it is essential that we support Stone High Street directly.Sir Gavin Williamson in Stone’s High Street“Therefore, I have decided to launch this petition in order to persuade Stafford Borough Council to provide two hours of free parking on both the Christchurch Way and Crown Street car parks. Many of the shop owners I speak to on Stone High Street believe that this would greatly help increase footfall and support their livelihoods.“I encourage you all to add your name and share your thoughts with me so that they can be shared with Stafford Borough Council.”The entrance to the Crown Street Car Park in Stone | Photo: LDRSSeveral years ago Stone Town Council offered free car parking at sites in Northesk Street and Crown Wharf. But the Northesk Street site, which was on Staffordshire Police land, was sold off by the force and Crown Wharf land was developed to create a pub and community theatre – although parking facilities remain available for customers and theatre-goers.Stafford Borough Council spokesman Will Conaghan said: “We keep parking charges in Stone as low as we can. It is £1.40 for two hours in the council run car parks and this money goes towards the upkeep and maintenance of those car parks including lighting, CCTV, cleaning and public toilets in Crown Street.“If we did not charge for parking these would need to be funded from council tax or through cuts in services. There is also some free, time limited, on street parking options available in Stone.”Continue Reading
More than 1,000 people back petition calling for town to bring back free parking
