THE leader of the council which will run Ellesmere Port from next spring would be in favour of a move to introduce free car parking after 3pm in the town centre.
Tory councillor Mike Jones, who is to head the new Cheshire West and Chester authority, says that if market traders and businesses believe that is what is needed to bring more people into the Port then he would be “very supportive” of the idea.
Free parking after 3pm is currently being trialled for three months in Chester city centre in a bid to attract more shoppers.
In the first month of the scheme a footfall survey has revealed a 20% increase in the number of motorists using Gorse Stacks and market car parks, and if this trend continues it could become a permanent fixture.
Cllr Mike Jones, presently a Chester City Council member, said: “I’m very supportive of the idea if that is what the businesses believe they need.
“We have to look after our town centres. In Chester we were concerned about the loss of visitors. Retailers felt parking charges were driving people out of the city.
“I think if the retailers in Ellesmere Port feel the same then the borough council has a responsibility to support them. I hope the council responds.”
The campaign to have free parking in Ellesmere Port was launched by Independent borough councillors John Wilson, Henny Moore and Jonathan Starkey with the support of market traders, and so far nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition in support of the move.
The trio believe bringing the free parking period forward from 6pm to 3pm in all the borough’s car parks during weekdays will be beneficial to both shoppers and traders.
They say it will allow families to park in the town for free after the school run, enable all ages to shop in daylight hours, even in the winter months, and provide businesses and market traders with a second busy period of the day.
Members of the public have until the end of the month to sign the petition before it is handed to the borough council in September. Forms are available in shops and market stalls.
