Birmingham Local Conservatives have expressed serious disappointment following Labour members’ rejection of the call-in against parking charges at city parks, despite clear and overwhelming opposition from residents.
Charges introduced at Cannon Hill Park in 2017 have increased dramatically, by 88%, including a recent 25% hike in the past two years alone. Conservatives, warning that Cannon Hill represented the thin end of the wedge, have consistently argued that the same fate awaits Sutton Park, Lickey Hills, and Sheldon Country Park should parking fees be introduced, hitting vulnerable residents the hardest.
Cllr Richard Parkin (Con, Sutton Reddicap) said:
Labour’s refusal to reconsider these charges shows a complete disregard for resident feedback. Sutton Coldfield residents overwhelmingly rejected the car parking charge proposals yet Labour Birmingham and their two Sutton Vesey ward councillors have chosen to ignore them and are ploughing on regardless. Rest assured, Local Conservatives will continue to ensure the voices of residents are heard.
Sutton Park has been scandalously neglected and starved of investment by Labour Birmingham for years which is why our beloved Park remains in a seriously declining state with damaged perimeter fences, broken roads and ‘car parks’ many of which are little more than rubble and potholes.
Existing funding for the maintenance of Sutton Park has never been effectively spent on maintenance. Charging for parking won't change this. As sure as night follows day Labour Birmingham will also progressively increase parking charges over time to help pay down their huge debts, whilst the infrastructure of the Park continues to fall into rack and ruin.
If Labour Birmingham are serious about investing in Sutton Park they need to take up the offer from Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council to put the Park into a Trust which will generate the necessary funding to ensure it has a long term sustainable future – before it is too late.
Cllr Adrian Delaney (Con, Rubery and Rednal) remarked:
This decision represents Labour ignoring the very people they claim to represent. Our commitment to fighting these unjust charges remains unwavering, and we will continue to press for fairness and accessibility for all park users. These parks were left for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Birmingham, the city council shouldn’t be increasing obstacles to access of any kind.
Cllr David Pears (Con, Sutton Trinity) added:
Once again, Labour has turned its back on residents who have consistently rejected parking charges in our parks. The introduction of these charges will push visitors to park on the roads nearby, adding to congestion, anti-social parking, and all the issues that come with an increased idle time on busy roads. Our fight goes on, and we encourage all residents to continue expressing their opposition through ongoing petitions and future consultations.
I just want to thank the residents who signed the petition calling for parking to remain free at public parks and who supported this campaign. Unfortunately, what we’ve seen today is another example of bankrupt Birmingham Labour ignoring residents, heaping misery on those living near parks. This constant surrendering of the city to poorly costed schemes has to stop.
Local Conservatives pledged to continue to lead the campaign against parking charges, mobilising residents through petitions and statutory consultations regarding forthcoming traffic regulation orders around the affected parks.
