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Thursday
12  December

Excessive car parking charges blamed on shop closures

 
05/12/2024 @ 11:34

The area's Senedd Member is blaming excessive parking charges, along with other factors, for the closure of one of Newtown's longest-running shops.

This week, it was revealed that the WH Smith store on High Street will close next year. The store, which first opened in 1927, is home to the company's official museum.

Montgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell George questioned a Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary on how local councils are addressing their responsibilities for town-centre regeneration. 

He highlighted that excessive car parking charges in Powys County Council-operated car parks are deterring people from shopping in small businesses on local high streets.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr George said: “Powys County Council is charging £2.50 for up to two hours and has scrapped the one-hour rate. If people just want to pop into a shop for 10 minutes, they’re not going to pay £2.50. 

"I think the real issue here is ensuring councils don’t just see car parks as revenue-generating arrangements to fund spending in other areas.”

Mr George, who is also Shadow Minister for Mid Wales, went on to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jane Bryant MS, what the Welsh Government can do to ensure councils take responsibility for their role in town-centre regeneration, rather than viewing car parking as a "cash cow."

He added: “Town centres are changing because people’s shopping habits are changing, but we need to do everything we can to support existing shops. The recent news about WHSmith in Newtown is disappointing, and the Welsh Government must ensure councils are taking town regeneration seriously.

"I firmly believe there are ways in which the Welsh Government and Powys County Council can encourage more shoppers to visit our high streets, which will, in turn, bring more revenue to local businesses. I am currently gathering views about the current charges in Powys County Council-run car parks.

"Charging people £2.50 for what is sometimes just a 20-minute visit to a town centre is not helping. I encourage everyone to fill in my survey and share their views.”

Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George is asking people for their views on Powys County Council’s current car charges. To complete Mr George’s survey, visit https://www.russellgeorge.com/car-parking-charges-survey