On Thursday evening, 5th June, large numbers of local people turned out to discuss the introduction of on-street parking charges. The Windermere and Bowness Action Group organised the meeting to assess the strength of feeling about the proposed charges and to gather support for an action plan. The Ladyholme Community Centre was filled to capacity, with standing room only. Similar concerns about proposed on-street parking charges in Ambleside were also discussed at a meeting at Ambleside Parish Centre on 13th May, which was organised by Future Ambleside.
It was clear at both meetings that there is strong resistance to the new charges, which were voted through by the Liberal Democrats and Labour Councillors on Cumbria County Council as part of the budget debate in February. Conservative Councillors had submitted other proposals for efficiency savings which did not involve charging for on-street parking, nor cutting front line services. At the meetings locals expressed anger at the Council's poor public consultation, lack of understanding of the tough economic climate for businesses and the damaging effect the proposals would have on elderly and disabled residents.
Conservative Councillors have consistently opposed on-street parking charges, which David Williams, the District Councillor for Bowness, has dubbed “catastrophic”. He urged everyone present at the Windermere and Bowness meeting to write to the Chief Executive of the County Council, Diane Wood. Councillor James Airey, leader of the Conservatives on Cumbria County Council, echoed his words, saying that “we must do what we can to stop these insane proposals”.
Dr. Ann Myatt, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for 2015, attended both meetings and said that “it is clear that there is almost no support for Cumbria County Council’s plans and residents are angry about the lack of genuine public consultation. Speaker after speaker from the audience voiced concern at the economic impact on shops and the tourist industry, the difficulties for the elderly and disabled and the extra costs for motorists. I agree that the County Council has got this completely wrong. It would be hugely damaging to Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and all the other towns in Cumbria affected by this proposal. I urge the County Council to reverse this decision”.