Carparking....AGAIN!!
The issue that never seems to go away...and never gets resolved either. Many of our members are raising the issue once again and, this time, Town Councillor Jay Hurley, has some information for you. Here's what she has to say:
"You may have read an article in EDP recently that discusses the vast sums of money raised (circa £11 million) by the District and County Councils in the past year.
Your concerns, along with this article, has prompted me to further investigate why Harleston offers free car parking and Diss doesn't. My research has revealed some surprising answers.
Firstly, it's important to note that South Norfolk Council set the Town's car parking charges as they do all the towns and villages under their catchment.
By agreement, Harleston pay a rent of their only car park to South Norfolk Council, met by their business sector at a cost of £15,000 per year. If the businesses fail to meet the rent, then Harleston Town Council become liable for payment which in turn increases the local council tax.
Diss has eight car parks. If a similar arrangement existed for Diss, then local business could be faced with a rental bill for £120,000 per year. Historically, Diss town did get a notional 50% of it's car park profits. However, this benefit was removed by South Norfolk Council cabinet decisions.
To rub yet more salt in the wounds, I understand from Cllr. Olander that much of the parking revenue raised by South Norfolk Council comes from Diss.
He is an avid campaigner for reduced car parking rates and, during his mayorship, did much to try to get the town's high car parking fees reduced. However, his attempts to convince South Norfolk Council to take positive action fell on deaf ears.
I do know that Cllrs. Olander and Mason are still fighting to get the car park rates reduced or to sway South Norfolk Council to let Diss Town Council take over the running of the car parks to enable the town to benefit from much reduced rates in a bid to support our local businesses during the economic down turn.
I hope that my email goes a little way to explaining the reasons for our current car park tariff.
Whilst my Councillor colleagues still continue to campaign on this issue on behalf of the Town and to help boost it's economy, I know that support from local businesses will add weight to their arguments.
Should you and any local business wish to support us in our campaign, please get in touch."
