A PROPOSAL for the next Bath and North East Somerset Council budget will see the reinvestment fund for parking services be put on hold for 2025/26 in a cost-saving measure.
The proposal comes in the wake of the imminent arrival of parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, which have been proved to be controversial.
The move, if approved, is expected to save the council £210,000 in the next financial year. No significant impact is expected, the council said, although it may take longer for improvements to be identified, developed, and implemented.
Cllr Manda Rigby, cabinet member for highways (Liberal Democrat, Bathwick), said “This proposal is part of our budget consultation which closed on January 20. The final budget proposal will be presented to cabinet on February 13 and to council on February 25 for agreement.”
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Cllr Shaun Hughes (Independent, Midsomer Norton) has been a vocal opponent to rolling out parking charges in Midsomer Norton.
He said: “It is most disappointing to find this in the Liberal Democrat budget proposal at a time when they are bringing in parking charges. For the Lib Dem cabinet to cancel a budget designed to ensure the car park is safe and fit for purpose demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the challenges our High Street is facing.
“This council should be focusing on car park safety, lighting and CCTV, particularly for vulnerable groups such as single women at night.
“Clearly the imminent parking charges are purely to top up the councils finances with no re-investment in our town, our car park and the alley connecting to High Street are an eyesore. To date, any investment has either been cancelled or diverted to the town hall costs at a time when our High Street and its business need support.”
More information about the budget consultation can be found on the council’s website.