Arundel residents’ fury over planned parking scheme

Dozens of people have united in a bid to raise more than 400 signatures against the planned scheme suggested by West Sussex County Council before tomorrow’s deadline (Friday, October 26).

Campaigners of the Residents Against Parking Permits group (RAPP) fear that the introduction of such a scheme into the town could “tear the community in two”.

Members argue that the parking permits, which need to be bought by those living in the town, would not work across the whole of Arundel.

The group also claims that this scheme could impact business and trade in the town’s shopping precinct, with concerns that people may be put off visiting because of it.

Permits could kill town

Sian Lewis, 39, lives and works in Ford Road – one of the areas which will be affected by the suggested scheme.

She said: “Parking permits will kill our town. Arundel is managing to remain a vibrant town even in these tough economic times. We all love the independent restaurants, cafés and shops – many of us work in them. Parking permits will make it much harder for them to succeed. Many might not survive.

“Controlled parking zones will split our town right through its heart. Residents in Ford Road, Woodview, Kirdford and Penfolds Place will have to buy permits – but their permits will not be valid in the rest of town.

“People will be paying what they now get for free.”

Days to vote

Members of RAPP also claimed the county council had not allowed the whole of the town to vote – just the streets that were affected by the planned scheme.

However, during Monday’s Joint East Arun Area Committee (October 22) at the White Swan, in Arundel, county councillors agreed to extend the vote to all the town’s residents.

Major importance

Joint downland county local committee (CLC) chairman Nigel Peters said: “It is of major importance to this town that the right decision is made when it is decided in January at the CLC meeting.

“Therefore I urge everybody affected by the proposal, both directly and indirectly, to make their views clear to the parking strategy team at West Sussex County Council.

“Or alternatively, contact me directly. I shall be more than happy to explain the nature of the consultation.”

To register your vote, email mailto:[email protected] or call 01243 642105. Written forms can be sent to: The Parking Strategy Team, The Grange, Tower Street Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RH.