As members of the main opposition at Mendip District Council, we are very concerned about the proposed introduction of parking charges on Sundays in Frome, which is recommendation 4 in the item 10 report (Car Park Charges Review) to Mendip’s Cabinet meeting on Monday 21^st May (see here: agenda, report, review report, comments part 1 and part 2). We share the concerns of Frome Town Council, Frome Independent market, Frome Chamber of Commerce, the Cheese and Grain, and over 2000 people who have signed the Town Council’s petition (here) that this could adversely affect community events, town trade and most worryingly, the financial and logistical viability of Frome Independent market, and that it needs to be reconsidered. Mendip did consult the Town Council and others for 10 days on the idea in April (as well as proposed increases in charges), but every stakeholder in Frome raised serious concerns, so it would do great harm to the reputation of (Conservative-run) Mendip District Council to go ahead in the face of such opposition. If there was a Lib Dem administration at Mendip, we would do better than this and develop a fairer parking strategy. We will therefore be asking Cabinet to reject Sunday car park charges in Frome (and Shepton Mallet), to assess the impacts, enter into a genuine dialogue with the Town Council and others, address their concerns, come to an amicable solution to support town business not harm it, and consult the town on the agreed outcome – before a decision is made.

Mendip’s Cabinet meeting is at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber, Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave, Shepton Mallet, it is a public meeting so please do come along. To register to speak please see www.mendip.gov.uk/speak. For details of the Cabinet meeting papers see www.mendip.gov.uk/cabinet. To contact Cabinet members directly please email cabinet@mendip.gov.uk.  Thank you,

Adam Boyden, Damon Hooton, Claire Hudson and Alvin Horsfall, (Lib Dem Mendip District Councillors for Frome College, Park and Keyford wards)

(Letter to Frome Standard, printed 17 May 2018)