Today I was delighted to be joined by the deputy leader of the Brentwood First group of councillors, Cllr Phil Baker from the Shenfield Ward who together with Linda Heath of Brentwood based company, French Quarter came in to discuss the ever controversial subject of car parking. We had also hoped that Duncan Hepburn, representing a very well established butcher in Shenfield would also be with us but unfortunately he had been held up. My guests explained that their concerns were not confined to the way that the revised charges had been introduced, but also, amongst other things poor signage and the confusion caused by the fact that the methods being employed to collect parking fees differ from one car park to another.

Cllr Baker asserted that traders are experiencing a downturn in their trade following the introduction of the new rates which particularly affects short term parking. Whilst the new rates benefit motorists staying for up to 2 hours, those looking for short term options are being penalised. Linda mentioned just one instance that occurred only today involving a motorist who in order to avoid paying for a full 2 hours, was forced to queue for 20 minutes at one of the two town centre car parks that still offer short term parking. Both of my guests claimed that traders are widely reporting a reduction in footfall and that they are receiving complaints from residents and customers alike at the restricted availability of the short term parking option. Ideally they would like to see the introduction of free parking for 30 minutes.

Cllr Baker reminded us that his group of councillors has set up a website to encourage residents to sign their petition on this subject. The address is  https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bwdparking/. Alternatively you can e-mail them at – parking@brentwoodfirst.com. Although the council announced their own consultation last month, Cllr Baker felt that this had to some extent been de-valued by the council proceeding with the introduction of the new charges without waiting for the results.

Listen again to my conversation with Cllr Phil Baker and Linda Heath right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/car-park-charges-1.mp3|titles=car park charges 1]

In the second hour of the show Frances Clamp provided the history of Rose Hall in Billericay. If you missed that you can catch it again right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bygones-19th-March.mp3|titles=Bygones 19th March]

More politics on the show tomorrow when Mike Jones talks to the leader of Brentwood Council, Cllr Louise McKinley. Meantime I’ll see you again on Thursday.

All the best,

Scott