Residents protest against plans to sell car park

More than 50 people gathered to protest against plans to sell a town centre car park which they claimed was crucial for shoppers, residents and community groups.

The group met at Jackson's Lane car park in Wellingborough on Saturday after North Northamptonshire Council approved proposals to earmark the site for disposal on 19 February.

Cynthia Bailey, who has lived in the area for more than 50 years, said the car park was "very much needed".

The Reform UK-led council said there was an "oversupply" of car parking spaces within the town centre and that the Jackson's Lane site has been attracting anti-social behaviour.

Freddie Harris, the founder of the Wellie Wombles and a resident of the Wellingborough for 60 years, said the car park was a "vital asset" for people.

According to the council, Jackson's Lane car park has been underutilised for several years.

Data gathered in July 2023 put average car park occupancy at 65%, with a further study in January 2026 suggesting it had an average of 43% occupancy on weekdays.

The 6.2-acre (2.53 hectares) site included vacant land off Derek Hooton Way, which the council said has attracted anti-social behaviour and needed regeneration.

The local authority added no final decision has been made and has promised that any future development would keep some parking and fit in with its wider town centre masterplan.

An extraordinary meeting of Wellingborough Town Council was due to take place on 3 March to discuss the proposed sale, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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