Pay parking - Express readers have their say

PAY parking could be introduced in Hailsham and Polegate as Wealden District Council struggles to balance its budget.

The move has been opposed by businesses in the town and now shoppers have voiced their concerns.

Jackie Rapley has lived in Hailsham for 11 years. She said: 'It will be a great shame.

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'Hailsham is one of the few towns where you don't have to pay to park.

'You can almost part right outside the shops.'

Herbert Rest from Downsview Way, Hailsham, said: 'I have lived here since 1966.

'People come here because it is free to park and go to the local shops.

'But I am certain the charges will happen.'

Susan Davis from Summerheath Road, Hailsham, said: 'I am not sure they would charge for car parking really.'

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Walter Burgess, 80, from Deanland Wood Park, Golden Cross, said: 'I agree with most of the traders who are upset about it.

'I think it is a backward step and I would rather pay more council tax.

'It seems a shame.'

Steph Giles, of Summerheath Road, Hailsham, said: 'I think it is going to kill trade in the town.

'I am a trader, and I know customers come to the town as it is easy to park and they do not have to pay for parking.'

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Chris Giles from the Just Kidding shop, High Street, Hailsham,

said: 'We are a new business and I am seriously thinking about the future and what it holds.

'The parking charge proposal is ridiculous.

'There are so many things trying to kill trade in Hailsham.

'This is one more putting the nail into the coffin.

'Someone came into the shop the other day and they had counted 13 empty units in the High Street.

'We are thinking about selling car seats for children and to fit them.

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'But if people have to pay to come into the town then that is one aspect we won't be able to service.'

Frank and Linda Horner from Harmers Way, Hailsham, said: 'I don't think it is on at all for this to happen.

'What we can't understand is that Eastbourne Council are against charging for parking down there.

'But it seems to be different here.

'We are the only place in the south of England where you do not have to pay.

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'I am sure it won't contribute to a reduction of council tax.'

Mrs Horner said: 'I would be against it.

'Business people are already finding it hard and charging would make it harder for them.'

Lesley Collinson, of Ersham Road, Hailsham, said: 'I am absolutely, totally and completely deadset against it.'

John Keevil, 84, from Orchard View mobile home park in Herstmonceux, said: 'Up to now we have not had any kind of charge against disabled people.

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'If they started charging disabled people for parking I would have something to say about it.'

Gerrain Howells, 21, from Market Square in Hailsham, said: 'It is a stupid idea as Hailsham is only a small town.

'To charge car drivers that live in the town will drive business out.'

Graham Perry from Tunbridge Wells, said: 'I am totally against it.

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'One thing I like about Hailsham when I come here for business is the free parking.'

Giuseppe Pollio, from The Brickwall Hotel, The Green, Sedlescombe, said: 'I come here four to five times a month on business and I think

it would be a disaster for the town.'