Alsager Town Council produced a document stating problems with the proposed parking charges in the area. It claims residents oppose an end to free parking, while local businesses will suffer.
Parking charges in Cheshire East have been increased once since 2009. Cheshire East Council claims inflation has made this unsustainable.
It defends the proposal to scrap free parking by highlighting the benefits it brings.
The council says other services such as highway improvements, subsidised bus services and active travel schemes will be helped from the money raised.
Alsager Town Council
Alsager Town Council holds different beliefs. It stands against parking charges which it claims could lead to a 20% drop in footfall to local businesses.
Councillors conducted a survey which received a strong response against the changes. 99% opposed parking charges being introduced in Alsager. 94.8% strongly agreed that the charges would worsen on-street parking problems.
This outcome is unsurprising as the town council encouraged people to object to the charges.
It published a flyer which stated: “Say no to parking charges in Alsager.”
The Town Council report concludes:
- Cheshire East Council’s strategy document is based on assumption rather than evidence.
- The strategy ignores the Cheshire East Local Transport Plan and Alsager Town vitality plan that free parking is “integral to the vitality of Alsager.”
- Alsager has poor public transport and no supporting cycle and walking infrastructure.
- The Alsager Neighbourhood plan is not considered.
- The 2021 Census shows that Alsager has 33% residents aged 65+ (national average 18.4%) who are more car reliant.
- Turnover of local businesses will decrease resulting in job cuts.
- Businesses and shops will close.
- Alsager is facing a disproportionate level of charges compared to other towns.
- There is no evidence that Alsager will benefit from the £552,324.71 income that CEC Highways will gain from the parking charges.
- The process has been rushed. Increasing revenue is the sole aim.
- Council owned facilities – Civic and market – would see bookings, events and shoppers reduced without free parking.
- The Station Rd/Well Lane/Church Road area must be considered as a whole in relation to the parking charges and creation of double yellow lines.
- Highfields Primary School relies on Fairview Car Park.
- Alsager Town Council has a legal right to free use of Fairview Car Park on Wednesdays.
- Cheshire East must discuss with Asda to mitigate for Fairview car park.
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