Calls for free car parking

Shopkeepers in the town say the winter months are becoming increasingly tough for trade and they say any effort by Wyre Council to relax parking charges on certain days of the week would help.

Some traders on the main high street, Victoria Road West, even say that coach parties are now avoiding Cleveleys altogether because they can’t find a free place to park.

The public car parks on Derby Road, Rough Lea Road and Jubilee Gardens start at £1.50 for two hours and then increase on a sliding scale, per hours stayed.

Jim Jackson, of Discount Footwear, said: “Any effort the council makes would be welcome, we have rates and rents to pay and they don’t get any lower in winter.”

Martin Hunns, of the Carousel Diner, added: “Free parking on just one day a week would help.”

A Wyre spokesman said: “The current charges are being reviewed to ensure tariffs are priced competitively with charges in neighbouring authorities and maintain the attractiveness of the town centres. We also offer free parking permits to Wyre residents for up to two hours in three car parks in Cleveleys.”