Strong objections from parish council to proposals to introduce charges at two Felpham car parks

At a meeting of Felpham Parish Council charges at car parks in Grassmere Parade and Links Avenue were discussed.

Arun recently put its new charges out to consultation, including charging for five council run car parks which are currently free, including two at Felpham.

There would be no charge for parking up to two hours but after that a £1 charge would be introduced.

Councillors decided on December 7 that at this stage, with the information made available and with no formal prior consultation from Arun District Council, they object to the proposed scheme to introduce charges.

A statement on the parish council website said: “Felpham parish councillors and parishioners are somewhat surprised to learn that without prior consultation or notification, car parks to which we contribute £3630 per annum are being considered for charges to be applied.

“Whilst we understand that post environment and neighbourhood services committee’s meeting, we may be consulted, we feel that again, with more notice we could have represented out parishioners in a fully informed way.

“Felpham Parish Council strongly object to your proposed introduction of charges to Grassmere Parade and Links Avenue carparks.

“We have asked repeatedly for Arun District Council to clarify:

“Have ADC produced, and if so shared a business case that demonstrates what financial benefit they might gain from this? Please can we have sight of the report?

“Does the business case include the potential loss of income from the parish council, should we withdraw funding and who currently contribute towards the free parking?