10p FIRST HOUR PARKING WILL ATTRACT VISTORS TO OUR TOWNS, SAYS JULIA (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

10p FIRST HOUR PARKING WILL ATTRACT VISTORS TO OUR TOWNS, SAYS JULIA

March 9, 2010 5:00 PM

Falmouth and Camborne MP Julia Goldsworthy is calling for 10p first hour parking to be introduced in every major town in Cornwall to help struggling retailers.

She said the move would help local shopkeepers compete with out of town shopping centres, which usually have free parking. Julia is calling on Cornwall Council to introduce 10p parking now to support retailers through the recession.

She said: "Shopkeepers struggle to compete with out of town shopping centres, where parking is plentiful and free. Introducing a nominal charge of 10p for the first hour will encourage more visitors to stop for impulse purchases, and allow local retailers to compete on a more level playing field."

10p first hour parking in Cornwall was a key pledge by Liberal Democrat candidates in the local elections last May. Julia said it was time Cornwall Council - now run by the Conservatives - took action to boost local trade.

She said: "Instead of taking a year to consider proposals, Cornwall Council should be acting now to support local businesses struggling to survive. Introducing 10p first hour parking to our towns is a simple measure that will make a real difference."

Julia said local businesses would also benefit if Cornwall Council actively implemented the Sustainable Communities Act, which she co-sponsored in Parliament.

She said: "Reversing the decline of our town centres is why I first introduced the Sustainable Communities Bill, which became an Act in 2007. It puts local people in charge of deciding their own priorities, and will help defend the interests of independent shops and towns when they are threatened by the actions of big business and government.

"I hope Cornwall Council will agree to participate in the implementation of this Act, to give them a stronger role in helping strengthen our local communities."