Esther McVey has demanded Warrington Council drop its plans to end free parking at car parks in Lymm, fearing the move could damage local businesses.
Tatton MP Esther McVey has written to the council’s Chief Executive setting out her opposition and asked for detailed information on how the move would impact the area.
Ms McVey said: “Charging to park will inevitably lead to a reduction in footfall. People want to support their high street and local businesses and enjoy popping to their local shops but must be able to park for free to do so. Lymm is a wonderful village and moves like this will hurt it. We need to protect our village and local community.
“I have been clear in my correspondence to the council I completely oppose this move and want to see any impact assessment that has been done prior to this suggestion being made. If no assessment has been done, I want to know why.”
The proposals would see the removal of the first hour free parking in Pepper Street, Davies Way, and Henry Street car parks in Lymm.
The council has yet to announce further details of its plans or when the consultation will be. Information on its website said: “The council is planning to start the statutory consultation on these proposals in the near future, with a view to the changes to be introduced in the spring of 2025.”
Ms McVey added: “The consultation has not even happened yet but there seems to be a date at which the council want to implement these changes and that date is within weeks. This stinks. It appears to be a consultation in name only and the decision has already been taken.
“I will continue to oppose these plans and when more information comes to light, I will make a formal representation to the consultation and I hope others will do the same.”
