Labour councillors have hit out at the council’s “ridiculous” plans to axe three car parks across Medway.
Council chiefs slapped ‘surplus to requirement’ tags on sites in Gillingham, Rochester and Walderslade two months ago, saying they were not providing good value for money.
However, Labour party duo Nick Bowler and Teresa Murray have this week slammed the decision, saying Medway residents need more parking spaces than ever.
Speaking of the proposed sale of the car park in King Street, Rochester, Cllr Murray said: “The situation is ridiculous. We have around eight new development sites either already started or in the pipeline near this carpark.
“Residents are saying they need more parking, not less.
“In fact, the difficulty with parking was the number one issue identified by both the local police and communities together meeting (PACT), and also the police in our area.
“The Tories seem keen to ignore residents’ views, and also the police’s, but we will fight to retain the whole site, and not just the half they’ve offered.”
Cllr Bowler added: “This is a well-used car park, and I can’t believe the Tories are thinking of selling it off.
“Residents and visitors make great use of it, especially during the summer festivals.”
Council bosses agreed to put the car parks in Robin Hood Lane, Walderslade, Railway Street, Gillingham, and King Street, Rochester, up for sale in March, alongside the Jezreels Tower site and land at the Broadway, both Gillingham.
Finance chief and deputy leader of Medway council Alan Jarrett said: “The income will be dictated by the market and best consideration.
“Any proceeds from these sales will be used to fund council priorities such as Medway Park, housing and regeneration.
"For most of these properties, income from them is outweighed by management and maintenance costs.
“It all comes down to achieving even better value for money for the people of Medway, resulting in an improved environment and better services.”
POSTED: 22/05/2008 10:49:21