Bournemouth Conservatives fully support the suggestion by town centre traders for a substantial reduction in central Bournemouth car parking charges in a bid to boost flagging trade in the shops. They would also like to see a relaxation of the one hour time limit for paid on-street parking on Westover and Hinton Roads.

Central Ward Councillor Bob Chapman said, 'It has become evident in recent weeks that the cumulative effect of Castlepoint and more latterly the Blackwater roadworks have had a massive effect on town centre trade. An early end to the disruption into Bournemouth will help, but there is a huge amount of trade to make up and the Council must play its part in helping the town centre shops.'

The Conservatives believe that without speedy action by the Lib Dem Council, many hundreds of jobs are at risk if more is not done to encourage shoppers to return to the town centre.

'The implications for car parking revenues need not be as bleak for the Council as feared if reductions are made to the charges during this very difficult trading period,' said Cllr Chapman. 'An increase in shoppers using the town centre car parks could well replace the revenue reductions caused by lower charges,' he added.

The Conservatives are going to continue to plead with the Lib Dem Council to reconsider their strategy and support the traders - with over 700 local jobs at stake the Conservatives are adamant that it is vital for urgent decisions to be taken which cut through the red tape and result in immediate action by the Council.

For further details please contact:-

Cllr John Beesley
Bournemouth Conservatives
on Bournemouth Council

Tel. 01202 762403
Mobile 07860 391219
email john.beesley@bournemouth.gov.uk