Parking charge is unsustainable, says shop owner

A business owner has criticised a town council for introducing parking charges and said it would cost his employees £1,000 a year.

Alan Crossland, 55, owns PointSCAN, a 3D laser survey analysis company positioned adjacent to Sandy Town Centre Car Park in Bedfordshire.

He said his employees have used the car park for free since the business moved to Sandy in 2016, but the increased tariff was "unsustainable" for them and could force him to relocate the company.

Sandy Town Council said feedback was being considered as part of a decision-making process and council members have agreed the permit costs would be reviewed in response to concerns raised.

Businesses were informed of the parking charges on 22 January and the new charges would take effect on 15 February, the council said.

The permits could be bought quarterly for £250, or for the full year for £1,000.

Crossland said: "There are eight vehicles just in this business alone so that's £8,000 - I just want it to be reasonable. I think it's just the council being a bit greedy."

Jason Keen, 54, owns Old Red Barbers on Sandy High Street and his staff use Sandy Town Centre Car Park.

He said the new charge was "disgusting" and he has been concerned his staff will seek other employment as they might not be able to afford the permit.

"Do I now charge the councillors that come in to get their hair cut more money? I just think it's the most ridiculous thing in the world - it's just surreal," he said.

In a statement, Sandy Town Council said it acknowledged "the strength of public interest surrounding the introduction of charging at the Town Centre Car Park".

In response to concerns raised, the authority has agreed the permit cost would be reviewed on 17 February and no decision would be made before that meeting.

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