01/09/09 - Conservatives To Cut Car-Parking Charges

Woolworths, Pictured, One Of The Many Stores To
Close During Labour's Recession

With local residents struggling to cope with Labour's recession a huge number of shops in Swindon Town centre have been hit by a significant decrease in spending.

Councillor Phil Young (Conservative, Covingham & Nythe ward), the Lead Member for Culture, Regeneration & Economic Development, has been helping to oversee the Council's response to Labour's recession.  As part of his role, Phil has developed a plan to reduce the cost of parking to £2 after 10am for parking up to 4 hours in the major Town Centre car parks, including Brunel North, Brunel West and Fleming Way (by Debenhams). 

These changes should take effect on 21st September, and will last until after Christmas and the New Year sales.

Cllr Phil Young said:  "This is really good news for the Town Centre that we hope will encourage people to spend more time there.  We realise that this will not be a magic wand that will cure all the woes felt by the retailers, but through working together we can make a difference, and this is a very positive move by Swindon Council.''

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, Conservative North Swindon Parliamentary Candidate, said: "It is only the Conservatives who are taking practical steps to help support local businesses and residents as they deal with Labour's recession.''

Cllr Rod Bluh's (Conservative, Dorcan Ward - Leader of Swindon Council) article on this issue: 

On Wednesday 19 August, Cabinet agreed to reduce the cost at three pay as you exit town centre car parks to £2 for four hours, from September, once the necessary public notices have been given.  This decision is part of a package of measures that local traders, InSwindon and the Borough will be making to promote the town as a place to shop, to eat and to enjoy yourself.  Once these changes come into operation, our main car parks at Brunel North and West and Fleming Way will cost half the price as parking for four hours in Bristol, and you don’t need to spend anywhere near as much on petrol, either. 

Alongside these changes there will soon be a publicity campaign because many people have forgotten, or are unaware, of the wide range of shops that are available.  Whether you are looking for quality clothing or basement bargains, fashion labels or value for money alternatives, you can find most of the key high street names in Swindon town centre.   We also have some good little cafes and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat and take a rest, when you are tired of shopping.  Finally, when, or if, the weather is nice, you can relax in Wharf Green and enjoy whatever is showing on the Big Screen whether it's sport, music or one of the many special events that are scheduled there throughout the year.

I know this makes me sound a little like a tourist brochure but there are too many people who condemn Swindon on the basis of obsolete knowledge or mere prejudice.  I accept there is much to be done and the recession has not helped by stopping two of the three major regeneration schemes on which we were working.   The Council is determined to do what it can to attract people back to the centre, which is why we are refurbishing Canal Walk, installing a new fountain, and helping decorate empty shops so they do not look neglected.   We have invested money in the bus network with real-time information boards at some bus stops so you know exactly how soon the next bus will be.  At the end of the day, whatever the council does, the town centre will only survive if you choose to shop there.  The choice is yours.

Although we tend to concentrate on the centre, please do not overlook our local specialist shopping areas such as Gorse Hill and Old Town, as well as the good shops in Highworth and Wroughton.  By shopping locally, you can save yourself the hassle and cost of a long motorway trip and still buy something just as good.

The picture of Woolworths has been kindly supplied by Komadori and remains his copyright.  A direct link to his pictures can be seen by clicking on the photograph.