Parish joins opposition to parking charges

Despite 40,000 people signing petitions against the charges, East Riding Tory councillors approved their introduction when the recession ends.

The move has infuriated Anlaby parish council, which has written to panel chairman Felicity Temple reiterating its "total opposition" and urging the Tories to reconsider.

The Federation of Small Businesses has already accused East Riding Council of presiding over "an EU-style resurrection of previously-rejected proposals, whereby the council will keep asking the question until it gets the answer it seeks."

Parish council chairman Coun Reg Almond said the first free half hour parking, which the council has said it would offer in short stay car parks, apart from Beverley and Bridlington, was a "sop".

He added: "It's a Tory-controlled council yet they are crucifying local businesses.

"The whole thing is really crazy, there was such a big outcry and they are supposed to be representing the people.

"Everyone was against it for a variety of reasons.

"It is completely misguided bearing in mind the economic situation.

"Local businesses are suffering. If people are going to have to pay charges it is going to drive even more people to the supermarkets."

Coun Almond said no thought had been given to the disabled for whom 30 minutes was "woefully inadequate". It would also impact on the elderly on limited incomes.

The Tories claim they have listened and "tried to be as fair as possible".

Two Liberal Democrats, councillors Katrin McClure and Philip Davison, also sat on the review panel, but drew a different conclusion and were excluded from a Press briefing.

They insist that the car parks should remain free. Coun Temple was unavailable for comment.