COUNCILLORS will debate whether or not to ditch new car parking charges tomorrow, December 13.

Cllr Helen Weltman, Conservative member for Davenham and Moulton on Cheshire West and Chester Council, is supporting a motion from Frodsham Tory Cllr Andrew Dawson at this week’s full council meeting.

It calls for an immediate halt to new car parking charges being introduced and existing parking charges being raised at council car parks, plus the addition of at least three hours’ free parking at car parks with long-standing charges.

The motion comes following a turbulent year for the retail sector, and as Christmas shoppers have a few days remaining to buy gifts.

It says: “Rather than taking steps to support and promote our local shops and business this council is introducing car parking charges.

“Taking more money from the borough’s motorists or those visiting us can only act as an incentive to shop online or where car parking is free, and act as a disincentive to shop in those areas where this council controls much of the parking facilities.

“Car parking charges hurt some of the most vulnerable in society such as those with impaired mobility that do not qualify for a ‘blue badge’, pensioners and others on fixed or low incomes.”

The motion also calls for the addition of three hours’ free parking at car parks with long-standing charges to support retailers, and for additional capacity to be built at council-owned car parks close to railway stations.

CWAC introduced charges on most of Northwich’s car parks last month – and the Conservative group says that the motion would include scrapping the charge in town, as well as putting the brakes on planned car parking charges for Frodsham.

Cllr Weltman hopes her political opponents will vote in line with the Conservatives to spread some festive cheer across Northwich and the whole borough.

“When we bring this type of motion forward to council we do it for our residents,” she said.

“I am hoping that we can get enough support from Labour councillors to push it through.

“We need to stop the parking charges now while it is Christmas, and the town is getting on its feet with Barons Quay.

“We spoke to visitors at the Artisan Market on Saturday, and it is amazing how many people who come into Northwich say that free parking was one of the reasons they liked to come to the town.”

Cllr Sam Naylor, Labour member for Winnington and Castle, has opposed the introduction of charges in Northwich – but understands why the current administration made the change.

He said: “I have always been against introducing car parking charges in town until everyone is satisfied that Northwich’s regeneration had taken a firm footing – and at least until after Christmas.

“But the bottom line is that this was a decision taken by cabinet to introduce the charges because it felt that the authority did not have a coordinated strategy for the whole borough. It felt that previous administrations had dodged the issue.

“If you go to any other town similar to Northwich there are car parking charges. There is no such thing as free car parking – there is a cost to provide it, to monitor it, to enforce regulations and to maintain it.”