By Geoff Fisher I have read with considerable alarm about Broadland District Council’s proposals to charge for parking at the Station Road car park in Reepham.
Where is the evidence that there is a problem with parking in Station Road? Since Travel Chapter/Original Cottages moved out of Bank House more than a year ago, the parking issues have disappeared. I have always been able to find a parking space, and today (Wednesday 16 October at 2.30 pm) when I parked there, there were still a further seven available spaces.
What provisions will be made for residents who do not have either on- or off-street parking? The suggestion that residents from Back Street, Church Street, Church Hill and the Market Place should park at Stimpson’s Piece is ludicrous. Residents that are elderly or have young children would find the ½-mile walk from Stimpson’s Piece too far. Personally, I would not be happy walking home in the dark from there.
Has any thought been given to the knock-on effect of people parking elsewhere? The local back streets would become used for all-day parking, which would result in the emergency services and refuse collectors not being able to gain access. Inconsiderate parking on pavements would result in hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with pushchairs or reduced mobility. Station Road, Cawston Road and School Road would have cars parked the whole way along both roads, which could again affect emergency services, as well as the buses.
What research has been undertaken following the introduction of parking charges in other towns and villages in Norfolk? From what I have read, there has been a significant detrimental effect on the businesses in those locations. The fact that both Bank House and Melton House are still vacant after 12 months demonstrates that the economy of Reepham is particularly fragile, and I can foresee that the introduction of parking charges will further contribute to the demise of other small businesses in the town.
Due to the absence of public transport into Reepham from the outlying villages, there is a high dependency on vehicles to access the town. If parking charges were introduced, there is a very real chance that those drivers will choose to shop elsewhere.
In summary, any imposition of parking charges in Station Road would not remotely serve the interests of either the residents or the businesses of the town and should be forcibly resisted.
Claudia Lowe, Back Street, Reepham
Geoff Fisher