Formby traders keep pressure on Sefton Council over Sumner Road car park charges

TRADERS in Formby are keeping up the pressure on Sefton Council to stop proposals for car park charges at the Sumner Road car park. Representatives of the new ‘First Tuesday’ group met last week with senior Councillors and officers to discuss the impending controversial charges which are set to be applied to the car park.

The group has been set up so that businesses in Formby can work together to keep the village as a thriving centre for the community. “We’re worried that charging for the car park will put people off from coming into the village to shop and meet up,” said Woodwards owner Pat Wordley.

She continued: “At a recent Area Committee meeting Councillors postponed the decision, so we were hoping to persuade the members to drop the charging proposal altogether. “However it seems that Sefton Council is now so short of funds that even though the proposed charges will only generate about £11,000 per year after traffic warden costs and maintenance are paid, Councillors are determined to press ahead.”

The Good Wool Shop owner Isabel Jordan also weighed in on the decision.

She said: “We just aren’t convinced the sums add up.

“The free car park provides a service for people using medical services and social facilities like the Luncheon Club.

“We know it also draws shoppers into the Village. If, as we believe, charges put people off from coming here then the council will soon lose income from business rates and see a drop in private investment in local infrastructure.

“If isolated people come in less that could put extra pressures on the social welfare budget too. Added to that the council is sure to face extra costs in managing the increased parking problems this proposal will cause on local residential roads.”

The ‘First Tuesday’ group is strictly non-political but urges any local residents who share their concerns to contact their Councillor in the run-up to the May local elections.

Pat added: “At the end of the day, this is a move which Councillors will decide on. A petition with over 3000 signatures has already been submitted, but it seems even that isn’t enough to convince council members.

“A last-minute rethink on the sums of money involved may be the last chance to keep parking at Sumner Road free of charge.” For more details on the ‘First Tuesday’ group or the issues raised, contact Pat Wordley on 01704 8301049.