Leeds City Council have just announced on their website they intend to proceed to the next steps of implementing parking charges in Wetherby.

As your elected representatives, the Council did not even have the courtesy to let us know that they were about to do this, or that they had done it.  They left it to us to find out for ourselves.  They are treating other communities around the city in a similar fashion.

You will recall the original proposal was that the charges would be implemented in July as they desperately needed the money for the current financial year.  They clearly didn't need the money that desperately, as even if they progress at full speed, they could not introduce them this year.

Over 6000 people responded to the initial consultation of which 97% were opposed to parking charges being introduced.  You wonder what the point of a consultation is when such an overwhelming verdict is ignored.

I continue to believe that parking charges would be a disaster for our Town and it's businesses.  I believe it will simply move parking onto residential streets and I believe a no-cash option will lead many people to not deciding to come to Wetherby at all.  It will increase social isolation and have many other poor consequences.

As part of the next step, there has to be a further statutory consultation in order for the Council to be able to implement the necessary traffic regulation order.  While they are clearly determined to press ahead with these proposals, we need to ensure that we get as many responses as possible once again as I will be doing everything possible to fight against these damaging charges.

I'll keep everyone updated and let you know when it's time for more action.

Thank you for continued support on this important issue.

Alan