"Timorous Tories too terrified to make a decision" - Jeffery

8.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 28th Sep 2006

Councillor Owen Jeffery has today expressed his disappointment that the Lib Dem free parking proposals aimed at revitalising Thatcham town centre have been set aside for the foreseeable future. The proposals, requested urgently in the spring to help retailers in Thatcham, have not been given a date for a decision to be taken six months on.

Councillor Jeffery commented:

"It is an understatement to say that I am disappointed that the 2 hour free parking proposals have still not been given a date on which a decision will be taken. I find this incredible given that the idea has been in the pipeline for half a year. The sense of urgency attached to this seems to have completely bypassed the Tory administration who seem unable to face the rigours of holding office in West Berks, delaying one project after another."

Councillor Jeffery continued:

"It is vital that we all pull together to help Thatcham bounce back after a difficult period, and capitalise as much as possible on trade and footfall in the run up to Christmas. The decision taken by the Executive Member for Transport to extend the waiting times in the High Street and The Broadway simply does not go far enough. In fact, previous consultation with Thatcham shopkeepers has shown that they value the thirty minute restriction here as it promotes the 'passing trade', who drop in for a paper and a pint of milk but who don't clog up the central parking."