Anger at charges (From Barry And District News)

Anger at charges

CAR parking charges may soon be common place in Barry's town centre as the Vale of Glamorgan Council has agreed in principle to introduce the money-making scheme in the town.

The proposals would mean shoppers and traders would no longer be able to park their cars for free in facilities such as the multi-storey car park in Court Road.

Vale of Glamorgan MP, John Smith, has attacked the council's plans.

Speaking about the proposals Mr Smith said: "These plans should be dropped immediately. If introduced, they will mark the death knell of Barry Town Centre.

"These measures will hamper trade and make the prospect of shopping in Barry less attractive. Every-one I have spoken to so far objects to these proposals."

Barry Shaw, councillor for the Casteland Ward, is calling the proposal in - saying the council must look at it again.

He said: "The positioning of the Court Road car park is significant to the decision of the committee. It is not situated at King Square, but nearer the Bassett Area of the town.

"This area is crying out for businesses to invest, particularly with the closure of the Weston Hill Post Office. The multi-storey car park is never full even at Christmas.

"I feel at this time that there is not any sustainable growth of the area to warrant charging at this car park."

But Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Jeffrey James, said: "We want to make the car park more user-friendly. The multi-storey car park is in need of upgrading.

"Charges will be made attractive for the first two hours and then more expensive the longer the stay. This policy will be continually reviewed.

"The free parking has meant a lot of long-term parking. This has meant fewer spaces for the short-term visitors. There is also a proposal to create a new car park."

"With the development of King Square and other areas, we want to attract more people to the area. Wilkinson's will also bring people to the town."

Many businesses think that this will be the straw that breaks the camel's back for trade in the town.

Owner of Nannettes Caf on St Mary's Avenue, Brian Florida, said: "It is a ghost town in Barry these days ever since Morrisons came to the town.

"If shoppers have to pay to park in the town they will go elsewhere. It is easier for them to go to a supermarket.

"I went down to Ferry Road on the weekend where there are plenty of shops and free parking. It was heaving with people. At the same time in Barry there was very few shoppers. There were no queues in shops. It was dead.

"I am certain this will drive people away."

Alex Gregoriou, of S Gregory and Sons, on Holton Road, said: "If they start charging people to use the car park, they will not use it.