Free parking call to boost local business

4.56.33pm GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

Calls have been made for parking charges in Weston-super-Mare to be scrapped for the next few months in a bid to help boost the town's economy.

Mike Bell, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for the town, believes such a move would deliver an immediate "shot in the arm" to shops and businesses in the town as the country is threatened by recession.

Mr Bell is calling on North Somerset Council to act urgently to scrap parking charges and take other measures to boost the town's economy over the coming months.

He said: "I'm calling for immediate action to scrap all parking charges in Weston's car parks. This would give a timely and practical boost for shoppers and traders during these challenging economic times.

"The Christmas and New Year period is always an important time for any business and the Council traditionally does much to support traders over the winter. I want them to go further and faster. We need an immediate response to help sustain local businesses which contribute so much to our town.

"I am also asking North Somerset to take action to better promote the small business rate relief scheme, which can cut rates bills for hundreds of local businesses. Roughly half of eligible businesses do not claim the relief, and the reason is that many of them simply don't know it exists. Yet it could save local shops up to £1,000 a year on their bill.

"The Council also needs to make sure that they give as much business as possible to local firms and ensure that local businesses are paid promptly where the Council does do business with them.

"The Council must take a lead during these difficult times in stimulating our economy. The Council has reserves running into millions of pounds which could be used to help fund a short term shot in the arm for local businesses. I am certain that the people of Weston would sooner see money spent in this way than having millions invested in overseas banks."

Mr Bell has written to the Leader of North Somerset Council, Councillor Nigel Ashton, urging him to take immediate steps to support the economy of Weston.