Lib Dems force consultation on Thatcham free parking
November 23, 2006 12:00 AM
Extended consultation on free parking will now take place
Liberal Democrats in Thatcham were quick to congratulate Councillor Owen Jeffery after it was announced that Councillor Jeffery's persistence in pursuing Lib Dem suggestions to introduce free parking to Thatcham town centre had paid off, forcing a further period of consultation on the proposals.
Concerned by the lack of consultation undertaken by the Tory administration to date on the proposals to introduce free parking at the Kingsland Centre, Councillor Jeffery raised the matter with the Highways department at West Berkshire Council. He commented:
"I was seriously worried that the suggested time period for consultation was very short - important bodies such as Thatcham Town Council, Thatcham Vision and the Chamber of Commerce simply wouldn't get a chance to have their say. This will be an Individual Decision - taken by the Executive Member for Transport alone, but by forcing this extended period of consultation, more people will get to have a say in the future of their town. I would urge anyone interested to contact the Highways Department at West Berkshire Council with their views straight away."
Councillor Alexander Payton, who initially proposed the measure at the Thatcham Area Forum earlier this year, said:
"I am delighted to hear that the Tories are finally beginning to agree with us - that consultation is a necessary and useful part of local democracy - perhaps it will persuade them not to dismiss future proposals out of hand. Free parking at the Kingsland Centre would be crucially important to the commercial success of Thatcham, and I look forward to hearing the results of the consultation. Well done, Owen."
Note to Editor:
The Individual Decision is now scheduled to be taken on 4th December, to allow Thatcham Town Council time to consider the report and make comments at their evening meeting on 30th November. It would previously have been taken before the Town Council meeting, during the day on the 30th November.
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