Key Highlights
- Councillor James Owen proposes a review of car park evening and overnight fees in Oswestry.
- Oswestry Town Council approved a 20% increase in parking charges for the 2026/27 budget cycle, effective from April 1.
- A new overnight charge of £1.20 has been implemented to align with existing Sunday and bank holiday rates.
- Councillor Duncan Kerr argues that these changes will disproportionately affect local businesses and community activities.
Oswestry Council’s Parking Quandary: A Tale of Town Management
Imagine a town where the very essence of evening leisure is threatened by a simple change in parking fees. That’s precisely what Councillor James Owen is hoping to avoid as he calls for a rethink on Oswestry’s car park charges.
A Budget Boost and Beyond: The New Fees
At the most recent council meeting, members approved an increase of 20% in parking fees, which will take effect from April 1, 2026. This decision is part of a broader budgetary strategy for the coming financial year, but it has sparked significant debate.
The Nightly Charge: A New Reality
Perhaps the most contentious change is the new overnight charge of £1.20. Councillor Owen’s amendment was to align this with existing rates applicable on Sundays and bank holidays, between 8pm and 8am. However, his plan has been challenged by fellow councillor Duncan Kerr.
The Impact: A Ripple Effect
Kerr argues that extending the charge from 6pm to 8pm will have a detrimental effect on local businesses such as pubs, restaurants, churches, halls, and even council meetings. For instance, someone parking between 7pm and 9pm would incur a £2.40 cost, whereas during the day it is only £2.
“I know many users of the Memorial Hall arrive at 6:30pm and leave at 9:30pm – that will cost them £3.20,” said Kerr with a sigh. “That’s more than the charge to participants for the social activity that is the most frequent user of the hall.”
His concerns extend beyond the Memorial Hall, pointing out that out of all Shropshire Council-operated car parks, only one has an overnight charge – Raven Meadows multi-storey. Furthermore, only three such car parks (all in Shrewsbury) charge up to 8pm.
A Call for Change: Revoking Standing Order Rules
Despite the six-month standing order rule preventing agenda items from being brought back so soon after a vote, Kerr is proposing that this rule be revoked. He hopes to discuss these new charges at an upcoming council meeting on February 11.
You might think this is new, but local governance often revolves around such small, impactful decisions. The real story here lies in how these changes will affect the evening economy of Oswestry – a town where every pound matters.
