Petition launches against proposed parking charges at popular Cornish woods
It is understood Cornwall Council is considering the fees at Tehidy
A petition has been launched against plans to bring in parking charges at woods in Cornwall.
It is understood that Cornwall Council is considering the fees at places like Tehidy and also Gwithian Towans.
A campaign has now racked up more than 7,000 signatures from people against the proposals.
The petition reads: "Cornwall Council are proposing to start charging for parking at Tehidy Woods and extending the order at Gwithian Towans as per the 2020 Off Street Parking Places Amendment Order (Ref 2077)
"The official method to object is to email Parking Services on parking@cornwall.gov.uk, quoting the title "2020 Off-Street Parking Places Amendment Order" and indicating your support or objection to the proposals. However this petition exists as an additional way to object and is approved by the Council as an accepted petition platform, see here.
"In my opinion this is an inappropriate move by the council, as one of the areas in the U.K. with high rental prices and generally low rates of pay this will affect many households who are already feeling the strain. Many locals use the woods to help with their general well-being and it’s one of the few free places to go that’s left for all generations to enjoy. Not to mention that this would likely negatively affect the business of the café at South Drive."
It continues: "2021 witnessed new highs of food-bank usage, especially in Cornwall, if so many family's are struggling to put food on the tables, then surely adding more financial implications no matter how small should be prevented or at the minimum delayed.
"As a county, we have suffered endless hikes of Council Tax at above the national average, yet we see very little in return that EVERYONE can enjoy. The woods should be left as it is, and does not require any additional intervention from Cornwall Council, to do so would only detract from its appeal.
"If this continues, then it opens the doors for more woodland areas such as Idless, beaches, and more communal areas to be proposed with more restrictive parking measures.
"The maintenance of the woods may still be an issue, but I feel that the Council should look into voluntary schemes or other methods rather than charge for parking which will most likely not lead to 100% of the returns being put back into the woods."
You can find the link to the 2020 Off Street Parking Places Amendment Order here.
We have asked Cornwall Council for more information and are waiting to hear back.