Calls to extend Surrey town's Christmas parking discount
That's as roadworks in Farnham continue
Special cheaper parking should be extended in a Surrey town until the debilitating roadworks causing gridlock and reduced footfall are completed, a motion to Waverley Borough Council calls.
Major works are being carried out to improve Farnham town centre to create a better space for shoppers, reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
Whilst that is going on, however, traders have noticed a fall in activity as people choose to go elsewhere.
In an effort to stem the tide and encourage shoppers back into Farnham, Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council, together with the town’s parish, agreed to give people a Christmas bonus and cut the cost of parking.
A reduced rate of a £1 flat fee for anyone using council car parks after 1pm Mondays to Thursdays will start on December 8 and run until the end of the year.
The £40,000 projected cost of the charges will be split equally between the three councils and now opposition members are calling for the discount to be continued through March when the worst of the disruption is expected to end.
The motion, set to be debated at the Tuesday, December 2, full meeting of Waverley Borough Council reads: “The town has faced unique challenges this year due to improvement works which have temporarily impacted trade.
“Extending support for the remainder of the works will provide businesses and residents with necessary assistance.
“The Council has a responsibility to support local economic vitality, particularly during unavoidable periods of disruption.”
Put forward by leader of the opposition, Councillor Jane Austin (Conservative: Bramley and Wonersh) she is urging the council to recognise that Farnham businesses should not be “disproportionately affected by infrastructure improvements intended for long-term benefit”.
The motion says: “Temporary, targeted support can help ensure the town centre remains viable and attractive to visitors during the construction phase.”
Cllr Austin said the costs could be shared with the County Council, which has already expressed that it would be willing to do so – and if not would put its share of the money to cutting on-street parking.
The motion also has the support of Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford, who said: “Extending support for Farnham is a practical, targeted measure to help businesses weather the disruption and keep Farnham’s high street thriving. When long-term improvements cause short-term pain, Waverley must step up and support those affected.”