Sidley car park is important to local businesses, parents and residents. The car park being free is an essential factor in that it incentivises passing drivers to stop and use the businesses along Sidley High Street.

As the main pick off and drop off point for parents at All Saints School, it is additionally key that this car park remains free - especially as Sidley is an area with high deprivation (according to the 2019 IMD and other demographic data).

Rother District Council is under immense budgetary pressures, as all councils are, but adding RingGO payments in this car park would not generate much income for the Council, instead it would encourage people to park in (and shop in) Lidl opposite instead of the local high street - or not to park there at all. Not only this, but the effect of car parking charges on local businesses and residents would lessen economic outcomes in the area, costing the Council more in the long run. 

Sign this petition to let Rother District Council know there is strength of feeling on this issue. Please also fill in the Budget 2025 consultation: https://www.rother.gov.uk/consultations/council-budget-2025/