Earlier in January, Cornwall Council announced that they were proposing increasing parking charges across Cornwall Council Car Parks, extending the charging time to midnight, and introducing Sunday charging. For Callington they also announced ‘the re-introduction of one hour parking charges’ which has caused a lot of controversy.
On the main issue of the increased charges, Callington Town Council voted unanimously to write to Cornwall Council to oppose in the strongest possible terms the increase in the levy which could have a severe detrimental impact on the vitality of our Town Centre not just during the trading day, but on the night time economy and community events. They also received the detailed complaint raised by their Cornwall Councillor Andrew Long which has already been logged with the Council.
Regarding the misinformation regarding the first hour charges, Cornwall Council have always charged for the first hour in our Callington New Road South Car Park (B&M) but a major retailer, in a voluntary agreement with Cornwall Council set up with our Cornwall Councillor, agreed to fund the first hour to help protect the Town Centre. It appears that this agreement may have come to an end, but the Town Council and Cllr Long have requested urgent clarification.
The Consultation on these changes by Cornwall Council opens in March and we would urge as many people as possible to register their opposition to these ill conceived and potentially dangerous charges to the retail survival of Callington Town Centre.
Residents can check the Cornwall Council Website and search for parking consultations near to the publication. We will also be publishing the link when it is available.
In the meantime, we have a number of free limited parking bays in Fore Street, Well Street, New Road and Church Street along with a 96 bay Free Car Park in Saltash Road for anyone looking to shop in our town.
Andrew Long KD/TC
Konseler An Dre Kelliwik
Callington Town Councillor
