Labour has reacted angrily to the introduction of parking charges that threaten one of County Durham’s most celebrated regeneration successes stories.
Durham County Council’s Highways Committee narrowly voted through recommendations for charges to be introduced at Seaham, a decision that will now be considered under delegated authority.
One Labour member branded the move a “punishment for making Seaham a success”, after the proposals were agreed for the hourly charges.
Cllr Kevin Shaw, who represents Dawdon Division, said:
“This will impact local businesses, and decant parking away from designated car parks into the community, causing mayhem for shoppers and residents. It also risks two decades of relentless work regenerating this former mining community and its hard-won reputation as a much-loved visitor destination. Many of the visitors coming to the town because car parking was free.
“I was gobsmacked by the officer’s committee report – we were told charges would assure people hoping to visit Seaham that they could get parked while at the same time reducing car parking demand and visitor numbers. I’m struggling to see sense in that. We’ve worked tirelessly to do the exact opposite for a generation and helping transform the town.
“This is punishment for making Seaham a success and effectively a cash grab to help plug a £24m budgetary black hole, caused by the Coalition’s shambolic financial mismanagement of the County Council.”
After years of Tory neglect, Labour transformed Seaham into a vibrant visitor destination. Local Labour councillors claim the new charges will threaten future growth, prevent business development and negatively impact on jobs with employees being taxed for going to work.
Cllr Shaw says nearly three years of the Tory, Lib Dem and Independent Coalition created the huge budget deficit that 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.
Over 98% of respondents to County Council consultation opposed parking fees. Their views dismissed by the Council on grounds that they’re mostly locals and therefore worthless.
Seaham Division member, Cllr David McKenna, said:
“What is the point of consulting with people if their views are going to be completely disregarded?
“Seaham has worked too hard for too long to establish the town’s reputation as a visitor destination. The implications of this move are huge – there are people running and working for businesses who suddenly have to find £1,000 a year to park, that’s not sustainable at any time let alone when we’re in a recession.
“This is another reckless move by the Coalition that will cull visitor numbers, punish local businesses and effectively create another burden by having to enforce new on-street parking regulations imposed as a result of the new charges. It’s a crazy decision by a failing council.”
Labour is running a petition against the move to introduce paid-for parking in the town: here
Seaham Town Councillor Eddy Bell who also attended the meeting, added:
“Council Tax has been raised, energy costs are sky high, food costs continue to spiral and now parking charges – whether Tories running the country or those running the Council, they always expect us to pay for the problems they create.
“We must continue to oppose this counter-productive plan.”