CALNE Town Council are conducting a review into their free parking scheme in the Church Street car park and would like to hear the thoughts and views of residents and local business.
The council has funded the parking voucher scheme allowing two-hours free parking in the Church Street car park since 2015 with the aim of encouraging footfall and increasing the length of time that is spent in the town, particularly in the historic streets and independent businesses of Calne Heritage Quarter.
The parking scheme is subject to an annual renewal and usually costs in the region of £8000 however, because Wiltshire Council has introduced Sunday parking charges for all of its car parks, the renewal this year will include charges for seven days rather than six and bring the cost up accordingly
The area surrounding the Church Street car park includes a number of small independent retail shops, cafés and health and beauty businesses as well as services including a Veterinary Practice, Doctors Surgery, Information Centre, Town Hall and Library.
The Church Street car park is the only opportunity for visitors from the south side of Calne, with direct access to the A4. The Town has been promoted with the offer of free parking to encourage visitors to explore the Heritage Quarter. The Sainsburys owned and managed car parks offer time limited free parking which is accessed from The Pippin. The only current alternative car park at the bottom of The Pippin will be subject to redevelopment and with the occupation of the Churchill Retirement Living, Orchard Lodge scheme, may see increased demand on spaces. Removing the parking scheme from Church Street may increase the traffic through Wood Street to the detriment of air quality and impact the viability of the southern side of the town centre and increase demand of on street parking in Station Road, Church Street and The Green.
Councillor’s will be considering renewal of the scheme in February and they are keen that residents and business owner's thoughts and views are included in this review.
