Sedgemoor District Council has responded to calls for free car parking in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge during the run-up to Christmas by saying it will consider applications.
Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported here earlier this week that councillors want to see normal parking fees dropped by Sedgemoor District Council in town centre car parks such as Pier Street (pictured), Lynton Road and Oxford Street.
A Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Thursday: “Income from car parks makes a significant contribution towards Sedgemoor District council’s budget.”
“The councillor with the portfolio for car parks therefore looks very closely at requests for periods of free, or discounted, parking charges from businesses and town councils.”
“The portfolio holder has to balance the possible encouragement to trade against the certain loss of income to the council.”
“Having said this, we see the value in one-off festive events, particularly the Christmas light-switch on, to the local economy and would look to support free parking where possible, subject to council approval, for town-centre Christmas light events.”
She added: “Please note that Sedgemoor District Council agreed to free parking in Bridgwater town centre’s car parks after 4pm on the night of the xmas lights switch-on in 2012. Free parking was not given for an extended period or series of dates. We would look to support the same request in Bridgwater (and similar requests from our other town centres for their ‘switch-ons’), subject to council approval, in 2013.”
