Town centres will lose out if EDDC increases parking charges again
TOWN centre traders in Honiton will be even more disadvantaged when two new supermarkets are built. That is the view of concerned town councillors, who last week voted unanimously to strongly oppose plans to increase parking charges to �1 an hour.
TOWN centre traders in Honiton will be even more disadvantaged when two new supermarkets are built.
That is the view of concerned town councillors, who last week voted unanimously to "strongly oppose" plans to increase parking charges to �1 an hour.
The hourly rate is already 85p, far higher than charges in Bridport and Chard.
Councillors say free parking at Tesco and the retail site at Heathpark has had a detrimental affect on smaller businesses.
You may also want to watch:
When Aldi and Lidl and built, both off Exeter Road, even more out-of-town free parking will be available.
Councillor Mike Allen told a policy committee meeting last week that he feared cutbacks implemented by East Devon District Council could have a detrimental affect on Honiton's economy.
Most Read
- 1 Sad passing of Seaton Bowling Club President
- 2 £40,000 to support local groups hit hard by Covid-19 crisis
- 3 Honiton's new town clerk 'will try to make a difference'
- 4 'It’s amazing how much you take for granted and how much we have to be grateful for'
- 5 'Follow the spirit of the lockdown restrictions'
- 6 Westpoint one of two news venues to be used for vaccine roll out
- 7 Road works start to enhance access to Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone
- 8 Riding through the lockdown restrictions
- 9 Runners take on 1,000km challenge in memory of Evelyn Tratt
- 10 Honiton mental health initiatives given funding boost
And referring to plans to further increase car parking charges, Councillor Vivienne Ash, the mayor, said: "A quick 'win' can be devastating for towns and parishes. I think it is going to be on-going."
Committee chairman Councillor Vernon Whitlock said: "I am concerned the economic viability of the town will be affected."
And Councillor Roy Coombs said: "Traders in the town centre are at a disadvantage.