'˜Keep your trotters in your own trough', councillor told on Wealden's free parking

During an East Sussex County Council Cabinet meeting this morning (Tuesday January 26) Labour’s Godfrey Daniel suggested that extra income could be raised in districts such as Wealden, which was not currently generating a parking surplus for the authority.

But Roy Galley, a Conservative district and county councillor, said free parking was a ‘godsend’ and something that was appreciated by residents.

He said: “Keep your trotters in your own trough. Keep your nose out of the business of Wealden. Free parking is a godsend to our local economy and is much appreciated by businesses, shopkeepers and residents alike.

“Decriminalisation would stop us being able to have that level of free parking which is crucial to our market towns.”

Bob Standley, a county councillor and Wealden District Council’s leader, added: “If we decriminalise it would mean we have to charge for on street parking.”

He called the level of free parking an ‘important economic driver’ for the district.

Cllr Daniel was suggesting ways ESCC could increase income as it looks to cut around £70m over the next three financial years due to a steep reduction in funding from central Government.

But Labour’s Tania Charman said: “Why is free parking such a priority for some when we are looking at cutting services for vulnerable people?”

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