Gainsborough: West Lindsey District Council leader responds to free parking hopes

West Lindsey District Council are reviewing car parking across the district as a petition is started in the hope of free parking in Gainsborough.
Coun Jeff SummersCoun Jeff Summers
Coun Jeff Summers

Gainsborough Town Council and Independent Traders have started a petition for free parking in Gainsborough to encourage more people to visit the town and also boost the economy which they plan to present to West Lindsey District Council.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Coun Jeff Summers, said: “During recent years whilst dealing with the austerity cuts imposed upon us by the present government, but created by the financial world and supported by the previous Labour government, West Lindsey District Council were faced with some very difficult decisions to make with £3m to save and generate over three years.”

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“West Lindsey District Council did not take the easy way out by making staff redundant as was the case across many councils in the UK.”

“It was my decision that we would put our staff to work and utilise their expertise to work our way out of the financial crisis.”

“So far all is well.”

“During this last four year period we have not increased council tax.”

“We are the only Lincolnshire Council not to charge for green waste collection and we have made the budget work.”

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“Car parking across the district is a mixture of free parking and charged.”

“I am very well aware our town centres are not thriving as we would like to see.”

“A full review of car parking across the whole of our district is now underway.”

“West Lindsey Council officers and members will recall me saying a number of times over recent months how I would like to see free car parking across the district in an attempt to keep our towns business sector alive and well.”

“But please remember, I am only one member of the council.”

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“This will be sorted during the next three months of budget setting for the financial year 2015 and 2016.”

“Please do understand we are working hard to maintain the best services possible with the least cost to our residents.”