Focus on study results as car park plans continue

Just months after Fylde Council introduced a new permit scheme for car parks in Lytham, Fairhaven and St Annes in response to growing anger about times and charges, Lancashire County Council (LCC) has revealed it is to hold several workshops about parking next week.

The authority has commissioned construction company Jacobs to look at long-term street parking and how it is affecting residential streets in Ansdell, Lytham and St Annes.

Sim Lane-Dixon, public realm manager for Fylde, said: “The parking survey was instigated some 18 months ago to look at proposals that might resolve some of the parking issues in Lytham, St Annes and Ansdell, where long-term street parking has caused significant problems in residential streets.

“The study will look at all aspects of parking, on street and off street, and the needs of both residential and commercial areas to try and resolve conflict between highway users and provide a co-ordinated approach to parking.”

A spokesman for LCC added: “Our overarching objective of this study is to achieve the optimum arrangement for addressing the demands of residents and the local economy while maintaining road safety and minimising congestion.

“Work on the study is currently ongoing with Jacobs and we will hold three workshops to share our findings so far with interested parties. In addition we are seeking their feedback to ensure we are meeting their needs.”

Earlier this year a petition signed by 3,300 people called for a number of measures to improve parking for drivers in St Annes, including extending on-street time limits from one hour to two.

In May, an annual one-off £25 charge was introduced to allow residents to park for free for up to two hours on nine car-parks in Lytham, Fairhaven and St Annes.

As summer temperatures soar, Fylde residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the offer.

Paul Walker, director of development services, said: “The Promenade has been full for week after week this summer and there is no need for residents to pay for every visit.

The dates for the workshops, which are by invitation only for elected members and business owners, are on August 5 in St Annes, August 6 in Lytham and Ansdell on August 7.