A DECISION to increase car parking fees in West Devon came under fire from traders and businessmen in Tavistock this week.
The 10p increase on one and two-hour charges in borough council-owned car parks, plus 20p on the three-hour charge and 70p extra for all-day parking was decided by West Devon's strategic development committee on Tuesday.
The borough also agreed to employ a new car parking manager — to the tune of £25,000.
Lesley Halton, borough treasurer, said the increase, the first on the hourly charge since 1995, would help plug a £30,560 budget gap.
But the price rise has not gone down well in Tavistock.
John Taylor, of Tavistock Forward, was 'absolutely furious' at the increase and lack of consultation.
He said: 'Tavistock Forward has been trying to encourage the community to work together to regenerate the town. Traders feel stabbed in the back by West Devon.'
He said it was a 'kiss of death' for Tavistock businesses and thought Safeway, which offers free parking, would be 'laughing' at the way the council was 'riding rough-shod' over local opinion and traders.
Barry Highfield, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, wrote opposing the proposals, asking the borough to consult traders.
He said: 'There is serious concern an increase will have a substantially detrimental effect on the businesses of this town with associated long-term adverse consequences for the economy of this area.'
The chamber felt the increase was 'substantially' in excess of inflation and questioned the cost effectiveness of a car parking manager.
Georgina Elias, of Georgina's Pets in West Street, said: 'It's dreadful — what are they trying to do to us?
'It's bad enough now at 40p. There will be more people going round looking for free spaces, they'll spend three-quarters of an hour here and leave. It's ludicrous.'
Somerfield supermarket refunds the current 40p one-hour charge for shoppers using the car park above its store. Amanda Pawsey, Somerfield spokesman, said: 'We haven't received any notice of the increase. We're disappointed they didn't have the courtesy to inform us, specially as we have a refund scheme in place.
'Obviously we're not very happy, but we will be refunding the full 50p for shoppers spending £10 or more in our store.'
Harry Smith, of Gane's shoe shop, said: 'They should realise the lower the charges, the more attractive it is for people to shop.'
He felt a car parking manager was 'unnecessary' — the money could have been spent better elsewhere.
Cliff Towl, of Towl's electrical store in Brook Street, was certain the rise would affect trade — he didn't think putting up fees and employing a car parking manager was 'sound economics'.
But Derek Evans, manager at Boots the Chemist, thought a manager was a good idea if it meant improved parking facilities.
And greengrocer Dave Le Seelleur and cook shop owner Frank Lawrence said shoppers would moan — but pay up. 'It's a necessary evil,' said Mr Le Seelleur.
At Tuesday's meeting, commercial services manager Mark Hall said car parking was a big, under-resourced issue 'running on sticky tape and elastic bands'.
'The only time given to it is the spare time of lots of people,' he said. 'I was given authority to appoint a manager 12 months ago but did not want to spend money we had not got. We have needed someone for two or three years.'
Cllr David Stapleton said there should have been consultation with local traders.
'It is obviously of vital interest to them — shoppers may be more inclined to go to Exeter if car parking charges in West Devon are raised to the same level.'
Cllr Dick Eberlie agreed with the rise if it was the only way to balance the budget, but said local chambers should have been told and not left to read about in the press.