Norwich: Eaton Park parking fees consultation branded a sham

Norwich City Council is initially introducing charges at Eaton Park as a way to raise £50,000 and help plug its £6.2m budget gap. 

But the Liberal Democrats have criticised the move, arguing there are other ways to fill the gap.

The Lib Dem's Judith Lubbock warned the fees could see parents not taking their children to football practice, walkers not using the cafe and the tennis courts going unused.

READ MORE: Neighbours slam park parking fee plan

Ms Lubbock also criticised the council for having already spent £30,000 on the scheme - including £6,058 on machines and £2,215 for bollards - possibly before the consultation was complete, and the consultation could be seen as a "sham". 

Juddith Lubbock (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

James Wright, the leader of the group, told the council that 91pc of respondents to a recent consultation had objected to the fees being introduced, calling it an “overwhelming voice against the scheme from the public”. 

He called for the council to show that it listens to consultees and try a different approach.

The group proposed an amendment to the budget, bringing forward the council’s plans to introduce advertising on vacant land to this year instead of in 2024/25 and increasing parking charges elsewhere in the city. 

Adam Giles, cabinet member for community, insisted introducing the fees was needed to help pay for ongoing maintenance and investment of parks.

Adam Giles (Image: Norwich City Council)

“I’m afraid the significant financial challenges the council faces due to 13 years of eyewatering government austerity has made such decisions unavoidable.”  

He described raising parking fees this year as “imprudent”, with parking fees having already been raised at the end of last year and introducing advertising on vacant land will need to clear regulatory hurdles.

The Lib Dems amendment was defeated.