Town councillors have this week called for free car parking to be introduced in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge during the run-up to Christmas to make the towns more shopper-friendly.
Councillors want to see the normal parking fees dropped in town centre car parks such as Pier Street (pictured), Lynton Road and Oxford Street.
At a meeting of the Town Council on Monday, councillors expressed their disappointment that Sedgemoor District Council – which runs the car parks – has apparently waived fees in Bridgwater but not done so in Burnham.
Cllr Helen Groves said: “Sedgemoor should be encouraging business in the town and providing free parking each weekend before Christmas.”
“Sedgemoor earns £520 per day profit from parking fees in the two towns, so we are only talking about a £1,040 cost for a weekend’s parking. It would be great for shoppers and would also serve as a nice ‘thank you’ to traders who pay high business rates in the town centre.”
“We should not be asked by Sedgemoor to hold a specific event in the town in order to get the free parking – it should be available regardless in the run-up to Christmas.”
The comments follow a debate at Monday’s Town Council meeting. Cllr Ken Smout added: “Burnham should be treated the same as other towns in the district – more clarity is needed from Sedgemoor.”
Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade this week said it supports the calls for more free parking. A spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Any initiatives that help our town businesses and encourage people to do their shopping locally are welcome.”
