Lib Dems urge Council to re-think parking charges

Liberal Democrats in Hartlepool are shocked by the recent decision of Hartlepool Borough Council to introduce parking charges on Sundays in the town centre, ending the town's popular "free after three" scheme. 

The decision, one of the first implemented by the council's new Reform administration, means that local residents will now face charges of up to £5.70 to park in the previously free on Sunday car parks in the town centre. 

Liberal Democrat campaigner for Foggy Furze, Connor Stallard, said:

“I’m really disappointed by this decision. It's the last thing our town needs. I’ve been across town this week talking to local businesses, and the feedback from them is they're really concerned. From the conversations on the doorsteps, it's clear local residents want easier access to our town centre, and these charges risk driving trade away and turning Hartlepool into a ghost town. 

Local businesses are already buckling under the weight of tax rises from our Labour government, and now our Reform council wants to drive away their customers with parking charges. I'm calling for an urgent re-think on these charges so we can ensure local residents and businesses can benefit.”

ENDS