Local MP Stephen Metcalfe has ramped up his opposition to the introduction of parking charges in the former Council-owned King Street car park in Stanford le Hope.
Stephen met with local Conservative councillor Shane Hebb this weekend to discuss the issue. Both Stephen and Shane are jointly campaigning for the developer to stick to the spirit of the original agreement. They have both expressed concerns over the potential impact these charges will have on residents, shops and the local community.
Stephen Metcalfe commented: “This is a real blow for our local businesses and shop keepers, who have been doing everything they can to keep our local high streets alive. It is so important that we do everything we can to support them!”
Stephen added: “Whatever the legality of the agreement might be, it is obvious to me that the Car Park was supposed to be free both before and after any future development.”
“I therefore encourage the Council to actively and rapidly engage with all those concerned to find a solution to this apparently self-inflicted problem, especially as the busy Christmas period draws near.”
