Unfortunately, yesterday evening at Wirral's Business and Overview Scrutiny Committee, 9 Labour Councillors rejected my colleague, Cllr Chris Blakeley's proposal to ask Cabinet to drop their proposals to introduce parking charges in our Town Centres and Country Parks. Cllr Blakeley's proposal is below. 1. Committee notes the numerous petitions of objection, totalling over 15,000 signatures to date. 2. Committee notes the level of public anger and opposition to these proposals. 3. Committee recognises the potential damage the introduction of car parking charges will do to the already struggling town centre shopping areas. 4. Committee also recognises that charging for parking in Country Parks, with an estimated drop in usage of 30% of users will have a detrimental effect on public health. Therefore committee asks Cabinet to withdraw these proposals in their entirety, and, instead work with our local business and town centres to help regenerate our towns. ______________________________________________________ While we may have lost the vote this evening, Cabinet will make the final decision so it’s important people do two things to keep the pressure on the Council. A).Share and sign our petition B) Make representation to the Council. Email Steve Atkins at steveatkins@wirral.gov.uk and quote ref: SA/PS/2017 It is still possible to make a difference and to stop these plans.