Former mayor says town 'shafted' by Powys parking proposals

Despite not being on the agenda, car parking became a key issue at a meeting of Welshpool Town Council’s strategy policy and development committee meeting on Wednesday, September 4.

During a discussion on empty shops and buildings within the town centre, identified as an issue connected to recent drug raids in the town, councillors mentioned the parking proposals as part of an ongoing issues with parking that have “taken business out of the town”.

OTHER NEWS: 

• Should Welshpool's Broad Street be pedestrianised? Town council considers idea
• Powys man who grew cannabis in loft over lockdown avoids jail time
• Study into River Wye pollution shows problems are even more complex than thought

Former mayor Cllr Nick Howells said: “It’s slightly away from the empty shops issue, but following the news where once again we’re being shafted on car parking prices I think it’s worth bringing up.

“The one hour option being brought to a lot of towns but not Welshpool while the two to four hour prices are being increased in Welshpool. Thank you very much Powys County Council for your help regenerating the town centre by putting people off parking in the town.”

READ MORE: Long-stay fees in some Powys car parks could rise by up to a quarter

The results of a review into Powys car parks, published earlier this week, recommends reinstating a one hour parking charge to long-stay car parks in the towns where there are no short-stay car parks, raising tariffs for people parking between two and four hours and for full days in the same long-stay car parks, and ending free parking for events unless the budget can accommodate all costs.

Cllr Phil Pritchard added: “It’s so noticeable that Powys County Council take no notice of this council when it comes to applying town planning issues.

“By their policies they’ve taken a lot of business out of this town, which has made a huge difference to the town centre and I hope they’re pleased with themselves.

“Berriew and Church street car parks are never full, if they were to put realistic prices on those car parks people would come in much more often. People say right now that they don’t want to park there because it’s too expensive and they’re absolutely right to do so in my view.”