One of County Durham’s most celebrated regeneration successes has become the target for Tory-led cash grab, according to Labour.
After years of Tory neglect, Labour transformed Seaham into the vibrant visitor destination it is now. That and the growth of local businesses are being risked by Coalition plans to introduce parking charges in the town.
Local Labour councillors claim that the charges not only threaten future growth, they will drive motorists to park on already congested residential streets, severely impact on businesses who rely on current visitor numbers.
Dawdon Division’s Cllr Kevin Shaw believes two and a half years of fiscal incompetence by the Tory, Lib Dem and Independent Coalition that created a huge budget deficit means the authority must reach into the pockets of visitors and residents as they attempt to claw their way out of this financial black hole.
If agreed, the parking revenue would be factored into the medium-term financial plan, making it almost impossible to reverse in the future as cuts to other services would be required to make up the shortfall.
Cllr Shaw said:
“We have worked too hard for too long to build Seaham’s reputation as a visitor destination and regenerate our community to let this chaotic Coalition destroy it all with parking charges.
“This reckless move would cull visitor numbers, force drivers onto residential streets causing nuisance to residents and massively impact on local businesses that depend on current visitor levels.
“This Council is looking to the people of County Durham to pay up for the Coalition’s bungling of the budget and 13 years of Tory Government austerity, but we say the people have already paid enough – we will fight these proposed parking charges with everything we’ve got.”
County Durham Labour has launched a petition against the move to introduce paid for parking in the town and the response has been overwhelming, with businesses contacted now displaying the petition form in their premises.
Labour candidate for the upcoming by-election, called due to the recent tragic passing of Cllr Leanne Kennedy, is June Watson, who is also currently a town councillor.
She said:
“Whether it’s through Council Tax hikes or parking charges, this Coalition expects the people of County Durham to pick up the tab for its own financial mismanagement. Well, this has to stop now.
“Parking charges will naturally deter visitors from this vibrant town or see resident bays and supermarket car parks overrun with problem parking – there are already issues with parking in the town and this will only exacerbate it further. And what about the impact on shops and businesses? Has the Coalition even considered this? Does it care?
“As we enter the beginning of the Dawdon by-election, residents must understand that a vote for anyone other than Labour will get you a Tory or Tory enabler.”
To sign the petition against parking charges, visit: here