Council Approves Plan to Extend Parking Charges

Councillors have given their approval to proposals for extending charges at certain car parks located in West Sussex. The Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) cabinet convened on Monday to review proposals that would introduce parking charges on weekends and bank holidays in the vicinities of East Grinstead, Burgess Hill, and Haywards Heath. Mims Davies, the Conservative Member of Parliament representing East Grinstead and Uckfield, stated that these plans presented a “serious threat to residents, local businesses, and the night-time economy of the area”. Councillors deliberated on the outcomes of a consultation process, which saw the participation of 672 individuals, and subsequently passed the motion without opposition. According to an MSDC spokesperson, the input received from the consultation “gave us the opportunity to look again at our proposals and ask for the further views of local people”. Grahame Russell, who chairs the East Grinstead Business Association, had previously mentioned that members conveyed to him that it had already been a “very, very difficult period” due to Covid and the cost of living. He expressed his belief that the charges would prove “self-defeating” given that the association was actively working to boost visitor numbers in the town. In March, the council had announced its intention to implement modifications aimed at achieving financial stability. Worries were voiced regarding various potential effects, including the impact of charges on residents visiting the town in the evenings, as well as on volunteers at venues like the Chequer Mead Theatre. A feasibility study focused on increasing capacity at the Queensway Car Park is currently underway, with its findings expected to be reported in early 2025.