"No to Newbury On Street Parking Charges!"

The Council wants to introduce on street parking charges around Newbury, on the following roads.

Faraday Road, Ampere Road, Bartholomew Street, the Broadway, Catherine Road, Cheap Street, Fleming Road, Kelvin Road, Kings Road West, Link Road, Marconi Road, Newtown Road, parts of Northbrook Street, Old Bath Road, Pelican Lane and West Mills!

I have stated in the press, that in the current fragile economy, the last thing that should be introduced is on street parking charges. We are all used to popping in to pick up a sandwich or fish and chips, a newspaper, a part for a bike, household tools art materials or a takeaway. All these varied and wonderful services are provided by independent traders who are located in the very streets the Council wants to introduce parking charges on. There is a very high risk that shoppers who are forced to use their mobile phones to buy a parking ticket will go out of town where the parking is free. Do we really want to see more empty shop fronts in Newbury, or are we going to support the independent traders who contribute to the economic vitality and stability of the town?

Businesses close to the town centre also rely on street parking for their employees and customers coming to see them. If the scheme goes ahead then office workers could be forced to park in residential areas. Other towns that rely on independent retailers for their success, like Thatcham, could be next.

Paul's Breakfast Bar owner is taking part in a petition to stop the Council from introducing on street parking in Faraday Road. Over two hundred signatures have been collected from employees working at Faraday Road businesses in two days. Many more signatures have been collected from independent retailers in Newbury town centre. The petition will be presented to West Berkshire Council on Tuesday 5 March 2013.