Petition launched to combat controversial parking plans for Fleetwood seafront

The proposals to introduce the measures are being considered by road authority Lancashire Council, which is running a public consultation until Wednesday November 25.

But opposition to the plans has been organised by Fleetwood councillors Lorraine Beavers and Cheryl Raynor, who say parking charges would be a disaster for the town because it would potentially deter visitors who use the town's cafes and shops.

There have been some complaints from residents that people in cars and campervans come to the town, park free and spend nothing, with County arguing that the plans would help tackle the "ongoing nuisance and hygiene" issues associated with some campervan visitors.

But opponents of the pay and display plans, earmarked for The Esplanade in Fleetwood, say the new measures will be a far bigger problem than the issue it is meant to help alleviate.

There are also proposals to bring in the parking fees for Cleveleys seafront.on South Promenade and Rossall promenade.

Coun Beavers, the Labour county councillor for Fleetwood East, said: "Fleetwood is at the end of a peninsular, it is not a place that people pass through.

"We need people to come here, enjoy our lovely seafront and make use of our cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops, and this year we have been busy during the pandemic.

"They have been able to park here free but most of them do spend their money here and it is vital.

"Anything that stops people coming is a bad idea, it will do a lot of harm to Fleetwood.

"I am urging residents to sign the petition and then council's consultation document and try and stop this now. Once it comes in, it will be too late."

Another opponent of the plan, Fleetwood Civic Society member William Hargreaves, said: "Some of these visitors spend hundred of pounds here and the charges will put many of them off. It will kill off Fleetwood."

The charges in Fleetwood range from 80 pence for half an hour, £1.20 for an hour and rise to the maximum all day cost of £4.50, and are the same for Cleveleys South Promenade but will be £5 all day along Rossall Promenade.

Peter Bell, regulation and enforcement manager for Lancashire County Council, said: "We are currently consulting on proposals to introduce on street pay and display parking along areas of the seafront in Fleetwood and Cleveleys between 8am and 6pm.

"This is intended to help better manage parking by encouraging visitors to consider the best option for the length of their intended stay in conjunction with the off-street car parks provided by Wyre Borough Council.

"The proposals include a restriction on overnight parking to cars only in response to ongoing nuisance and hygiene issues caused by long term parking of campervans.

"The new orders also clarify arrangements with existing on-street parking in the area to help with future enforcement."

The petition ends on Tuesday November 17.

To sign it, visit: https://council.lancashire.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=262&RPIDAny representations or objections (specifying the grounds on which they are made) relating to the proposal must be made in writing and should be sent to The Director of Corporate Services, Lancashire County Council, P O Box 78, County Hall, Preston PR1 8XJ or by e-mail to [email protected] quoting ref: LSG4\894.11670\AFR or LSG4/894.11671/AFR before the 25 November 2020. At the end of this period all representations/objections will be passed to the relevant engineer for consideration.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here