Traders' anger at rise in parking permit cost

THE PRICE of parking permits at a notorious car park in Ilfracombe have been increased, to the annoyance of seafront residents and traders.

Dave and June Williams at St James' Dairy were among existing permit holders for the Cheyne car park, where vehicles are regularly battered and damaged by high tides.

They received a letter asking if they would like to renew their annual permit for £175 — and subsequently got a second letter informing them of an increase.

June said: "The letter said the increase had been agreed at committee, but had not yet been put through the correct legal process, so at this point, they could only request that we pay the higher charge of £186.70."

She said the letter asked them to pay the original price if they wished to have a permit and a request would be sent through for the difference once legal proceedings had been completed.

But June said: "The permit doesn't guarantee a space and we're always at risk of damage because of the tides, but more importantly, we can't believe they have put the prices up again.

"This is awful for traders in Ilfracombe. Car parking in general is bad enough — people just won't come to the town at this rate, especially when there is a free car park at Tesco.

"This is another knock back for shops and traders in the town who are just trying to make a living."

Martin Williams, transportation manager at North Devon Council, said: "We have a permit waiting list for the Cheyne Beach Car Park in Ilfracombe which is reserved for residents. Because of this every year in early January we write to the existing permit holders to ask if they want to keep their permit so that if they don't, we can offer it to the next person.

"Since then a decision has been made to increase parking charges from April 1, so the cost of a permit will increase from £175 to £186.70 for the year. This is still a very reasonable price for a parking permit in the locality, which does reflect on the accessibility of the car park."

He added: "We are aware that at times of exceptionally high tides and bad weather vehicles can get damaged which is why we transfer the parking to the Cove area during the winter. Residents are advised of the risk and provided with tide information when they apply for their permit."