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East Herts Council recommends delaying plan to scrap parking in Sawbridgeworth town centre after backlash from traders

05:00, 20 October 2022

Sawbridgeworth's mayor has declared victory for local democracy after East Herts Council rolled back on plans to scrap free parking in Sawbridgeworth town centre.

As part of a raft of changes brought about by financial pressures the district council planned to scrap free parking in the town on Saturdays and Sundays, sparking a storm of protest led by mayor Cllr Greg Rattey and traders.

There were fears that scrapping the free periods in Bell Street car park would deter people from coming to the town and have a negative effect on traders.

Bell Street Car Park, Sawbridgeworth. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60057259)
Bell Street Car Park, Sawbridgeworth. Pic: Vikki Lince. (60057259)

Following a consultation in July and August a recommendation to defer the changes for up to two years will be put to the council’s executive on Tuesday (Oct 25), but "to mitigate the change" parking charges in Sawbridgeworth should be raised by 20%.

Cllr Rattey told the Indie: "It's absolutely fantastic to hear that EHC have listened to the anger of the people and watered down almost all of the proposed changes to car parking locally.

Mayor Greg Rattey said East Herts Council's recommendations to defer scrapping free parking was a victory for local democracy (60057063)
Mayor Greg Rattey said East Herts Council's recommendations to defer scrapping free parking was a victory for local democracy (60057063)

"Well done to everyone involved, you should be mighty proud of yourselves - local democracy won today."

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