A COUNCIL consultation into a proposed parking charge hike in Maldon has been slammed by one of its critics.

Maldon Society chairman Judy Lea said the district council’s ‘stakeholder consultation’ into parking charges was a “mockery”.

She claims the council is just “ticking off boxes” and is not genuine about listening to High Street businesses on the effects parking costs could have.

The rise, which would bring in an extra £90,000 in revenue to the council, will be discussed in a Strategy and Resources meeting next Wednesday.

Mrs Lea was critical of a stakeholder consultation held earlier this month.

She said: “Those attending included only six representatives of businesses and local organisations, outnumbered by district council staff.

“The first 45 minutes was a monologue from the finance officer rather than seeking views from the attendees.”

Mrs Lea accused the council of trying to “bleed” £90,000 from motorists.

She said: “There was a heavy emphasis on more expensive car parking rates in other small towns, ignoring other towns who charge less.

“Most shoppers in practice divert to Chelmsford and Colchester where there is ample park and ride provision, free for the many who qualify.

“Maldon does have park and ride at Morrisons and Tesco, but few know that, and they are constrained by the time limits set by the supermarkets.

“The town council feels powerless to help because although all charging car parks are within Maldon town, it is nevertheless the district council who has control of them.

“The district’s contempt for the town’s views is further illustrated by the fact no district councillors who represent Maldon town constituencies are allowed on the working party concerned, when all four places should obviously be local.”

Mrs Lea added: “It’s important to stress the high street is still a very attractive place to come because the local entrepreneurs work hard and it’s well-worth coming to Maldon for the sights.

“The high street itself is a lovely place to come to for visitors, but what we’re worried about is the council taking away from that.”

Richard Holmes, director of service delivery at Maldon District Council, defended the proposal.

He said: “Residents will be aware that all local authorities are facing a period of unprecedented reductions in funding.

“Maldon District Council has made significant and progressive changes to its organisation to enable us to continue to deliver vital services.

“It is also necessary for councils to raise revenue through the provision of chargeable services where available, including car parking.

“An informal meeting was held with representatives and stakeholders from the Maldon High Street. I am pleased that a representative of the Maldon Society was able to attend, together with the ward members representing Maldon.

“It was a good opportunity to engage with representatives of local businesses which we are keen to develop and the views that they expressed were very constructive.

“At the meeting we shared the results of our ‘benchmarking’ research to ensure car park users are getting value for money and paying appropriately for the service they use.

“As a direct result of the discussion, officers are recommending to members that a fixed rate increase is applied to the evening and Sunday charge instead of a variable rate which was originally suggested.

“Also as a result of the meeting the council is proposing introducing the evening charge at an earlier time to stimulate early evening business in the town which was a direct result of a request from businesses attending the meeting.

“During last year following a routine meeting with local businesses, the council adapted the new pay and display equipment to issue receipts.

“Whilst this delayed the installation, it was felt important to provide this facility which will allow individual shops the ability to offer parking refunds if they so wish in the future.”