Councils say 'no' to promenade pay parking plan

The borough and parish authorities have both come out against the plan which is currently under consultation and has prompted a wave of concern and protest from traders and residents.

Lancashire, as the highways authority, has suggested charging for roadside parking, all the way from Granny’s Bay at Fairhaven to Todmorden Road, St Annes, which is currently free, with some time limits near St Annes town centre.

The St Annes Enterprise Partnership has said if charges are introduced it will be “another nail in the coffin” for the town after the financial setbacks caused by the Covid lockdown, while residents of homes off the prom fear major congestion at busy times.

Closing date for consultation is Thursday (November 19) and Fylde Council and the area’s MP Mark Menzies are urging as many residents as possible to make their feelings on the matter known.

Coun Roger Small, deputy leader of Fylde Council and chairman of St Annes Town Council, said: “It really is important that the County Council realises the strength of feeling against this idea - the more feedback the better.

“Fylde and St Annes Town Councils have both made strong representations to County Hall against this idea. We feel it would have a detrimental effect on business and on the environment of residents in roads adjoining the Promenade.

“We were shocked when we heard of the proposal. The free promenade parking is a key part of the tourism offering and to remove it would be a bad idea at any time, but in the current pandemic situation, it is even worse.

“There is a problem currently with motor homes parking up overnight but this certainly isn’t the way to tackle that.”

Mr Menzies said: “A lot of residents have been in touch with me concerned that these proposals will simply move traffic from the Promenade to the side roads – and I fully understand their worries.

“There is no provision within these proposals to prevent day trippers parking outside residential homes, and visitors will clearly look nearby to park for free.

“I’ve sent all of the concerns registered with me to Lancashire County Council – it is vital as many people as possible contact them in writing to ensure they get a true sense of the level of objection.”

Fylde Liberal Democrats has gathered a petition against the plan bearing hundreds of signatures but Coun Small stressed that individual objections are crucial.

Peter Bell, regulation and enforcement manager for Lancashire County Council, said of the proposals: “This is intended to help better manage parking by encouraging visitors to consider the best option for the length of their intended stay.”

Representations can be made by e-mail to [email protected]

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