Jonathan Knee speaks out on parking charges (South West Wiltshire Liberal Democrats)

South West Wiltshire Liberal Democrats <info@swwiltshirelibdems.org.uk>

Jonathan Knee speaks out on parking charges

December 14, 2010 8:02 AM

The General Manager of HJ Knee Ltd Department Store in Trowbridge asked Wiltshire Council's 'cabinet' for a less dogmatic approach to car parking charges at its meeting on Dec 14th. However the cabinet decided to press ahead with the increases in charges.

Here's his statement:

"My name is Jonathan Knee and my family business H.J.Knee Ltd has been trading on Fore Street in Wiltshire County Town for 131 years. We are the oldest Department Store in the West Country and one of the oldest in the UK.

I am against the increase of car parking charges in Wiltshire. I am aware of the revenue that the county generates from the existing charges and would strongly recommend maintaining those levels at a time when the need for local jobs is of such a crucial importance to the future of our county and country.

Due to decisions of the past, our challenge is set - out of town shops with vast areas of free parking versus the traditional high street with council owned "pay & display".

It is a simple dilemma for some people who may have lived in a town for many years yet never visited its high street, they park for free and shop out of town (they probably have no contact with another human being and may even scan the products through themselves and pay a computer!). But what I see on Fore Street in

Trowbridge is a community that loves its town centre shops and the identity it brings to their town, receive fantastic customer service and be treated like a human being rather than an internet order number. They like to catch up with friends and family - to keep with tradition.

I am asking you to protect this tradition by saying NO to any form of increase in car parking charges in Wiltshire.

I think it is time for the County to take a long hard look at itself and to start thinking long term rather than chasing a quick buck. Start protecting our future with a long term plan for business growth and generation - right in the heart of our market towns in Wiltshire.

The car parks should be maintained using the money that is generated from existing revenue streams that the council have. Car parking charges do NOT help the community or its businesses.

Does the committee agree with me that the communities that exist on our High Streets should be protected from those factors that are within the councils control, including any increase in car parking charges? If not, please explain your reasons?"