Looks like the decision on Helston Fairground parking charges is heading for a vote at Cornwall Council Cabinet on Wednesday.

If the consultation got thousands of objections & a petition with over 4,000 signatures, why does it feel like the council just wants to push ahead anyway?

The excuse is maintenance, about £6,000 per regrading, twice a year, so £12,000 a year. But instead of working with us, the council keeps looking to squeeze more money from the public to fill its budget hole.

Why not try a voluntary donation scheme first? 

Many people using the car park for Penrose, the boating lake & walks would chip in if they could, while others just cannot afford extra charges.

The option of tasteful advertising could also be explored. 

If the council think charging is the answer, maybe they should start with themselves. Charge for parking at County Hall at least?

We are not unreasonable. 

We know maintenance costs money. 

What we don’t accept is being ignored after making our views clear.

Before going ahead, Cornwall Council should stop, listen & look at options that work with the community rather than against it.

If you care, email your councillors, share your views & attend the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday if you can. Let them know Helston residents will not be ignored.

Here’s my email and the address’s feel free to use .

Councillors,

You are expected to attend Wednesdays meeting & I hope every one of you does.

You represent the people of Cornwall. 

Our council tax pays your wages & your responsibility is to the residents who live & work here.

Residents feel ignored while the council looks to them to fill its financial black hole. People are already stretched & cannot keep being asked to pay more.

None of you making this decision appear to live near the fairground car park in Helston & many have probably never even visited it. How can you justify going against such strong public opposition just to cover a budget deficit?

Look for other options instead of taking more from the public. 

Why not trial a voluntary donation scheme for twelve months before reaching for taxpayers’ money again.

Remember who you represent. Listen to the residents who fund this council & act on our behalf.

Regards 

Craig Scott

List of Councillors expected to attend and vote on @ Helston Fairground car park.

Leigh Frost
cllr.leigh.frost@cornwall.gov.uk
Adam Paynter
cllr.adam.paynter@cornwall.gov.uk
Tim Dwelly
cllr.tim.dwelly@cornwall.gov.uk
Hilary Frank
cllr.hilary.frank@cornwall.gov.uk
Peter La Broy
cllr.peter.labroy@cornwall.gov.uk
Thalia Marrington
cllr.thalia.marrington@cornwall.gov.uk
Jim McKenna
cllr.jim.mckenna@cornwall.gov.uk
Sarah Preece
cllr.sarah.preece@cornwall.gov.uk
Loic Rich
cllr.loic.rich@cornwall.gov.uk
Dan Rogerson
cllr.dan.rogerson@cornwall.gov.uk