Watts Way Car Parking Charges (Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrats)

Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrats <info@oxwablibdems.org.uk>

Watts Way Car Parking Charges

February 20, 2011 3:53 PM

The lack of consultation by Cherwell District Council about their plan to introduce charging for parking at Watts Way car park in Kidlington has been vigorously opposed by Lib Dem councillors.

When the land which is now the Watts Way car park was acquired by Cherwell District Council there was a covenant which prevented charges being imposed for parking unless under the supervision of a paid attendant.

Cherwell's Conservative Executive have now confirmed that they plan to spend Council Tax payers' money on overturning this covenant and introducing charges.

Kidlington South councillor Tim Emptage has attended several meetings, some confidential, since 12th October 2010 and has, on each occasion, argued against this proposal because:

There has been no consultation with Kidlington Parish Council, the Kidlington Village Centre Management Board, Kidlington Voice, local businesses or residents.
The commercial impact on local businesses and High St shopping
The impact on nearby residential streets such as Benmead Road.
The impact on proposals for pedestrianisation of the High St
The impact on the Tesco and Co-op car parks.

Unfortunately neither of the Kidlington Conservative councillors bothered to attend most of the meetings although they are members of the committee and were invited.

Kidlington Lib Dem members instigated the 'call in' procedure which meant that the decision was brought back for further review. Lib Dem district councilors Tim Emptage, Williamson and Alaric Rose attended the meeting along with Cllr Chris Pack representing Kidlington Voice and Cllr David Betts representing Kidlington Parish Council.

Again both Kidlington's Conservative district councillors failed to attend.

After a vigorous discussion the lib dem councilors succeeded in having the decision sent back to CDC Executive with the proposal that it be reviewed again. Unfortunately the Conservative Committee decided to press ahead with the plan.

Kidlington Lib Dems are continuing to campaign for full consultation before any charges are imposed.

Local residents can show their opposition to the Conservative plan by signing the petition online at: http://tiny.cc/WattsWay