‘Save our free car park’ petition by 1,400 people (From Worcester News)

‘Save our free car park’ petition by 1,400 people

9:30pm Monday 25th February 2013 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed

BACKING: Upton Tourism and Trade Association chairman Annette Keyworth at the Old Street car park with local people who have signed the petition against parking charges.

MORE than 1,400 people have signed a Save Our Car Park petition to stop pay-and-display charges being introduced in Upton-upon-Severn.

Traders fear the introduction of anything but a “nominal” charge for using the Old Street car park would stop visitors coming and hit local businesses hard.

They are concerned that Upton Town Council, which owns the free car park, will “sell out” by leasing it to Malvern Hills District Council, which would run it as a pay-and-display.

Upton Tourism and Trade Association, which has gathered the signatures in little more than two weeks, believes the public should be given a say in its future.

Chairman Annette Keyworth has written to the town council, calling on it to let people know exactly what options are on the table for the car park’s future.

“The number of signatures should give an indication as to the strength of feeling within the community of Upton in a very short time,” she said.

The district council taking over the car park on a 30-year lease, with the town council relieved of upkeep costs and receiving an annual rent, initially between £300-£500, is one option.

Mrs Keyworth is calling for a meeting with the town council so the community can understand what other options are available.

Town clerk Jo Adams said the council was keen to get residents’ views, but it first wanted to hold its own workshop so councillors could fully understand the options and discuss them themselves.

The car park will be discussed at a full town council meeting, open to the public, at the Memorial Hall tomorrow at 7.30pm when a final decision could be made.