Protestors launch online campaign in opposition of charges at Riverside car park

PROTESTORS angered by plans to end free parking in St Neots have launched a campaign that they say may lead to a march.

Despite more than 2,000 signatures in opposition to the proposal, Huntingdonshire District Council’s cabinet has decided to introduce charges at Riverside and Cambridge Street car parks.

From a date the district council has yet to set, spaces will attract a charge of between 20p and �1.50, in line with long-stay car parks in Huntingdon and Godmanchester.

In response to the decision, the town’s councillors and residents have come out fighting.

Led by Councillor Steve van de Kerkhove and community campaigner, Anne Harris, an online campaign on the social networking site, Facebook has been launched calling for HDC to reverse its decision.

More than 100 people have already joined the Stop HDC introducing parking charges at Riverside Park St Neots online group.

Cllr van de Kerkhove said if enough support is gathered online it could lead to a peaceful protest through the town or a rally at Riverside Car Park.

He said: “We want to give people in this town a voice. We need to send a clear message to HDC that enough is enough. This is just the tip of the iceberg - the people of St Neots are fed up of being ignored. The town council is trying to make a real difference in the town but our work is undermined by HDC.”

Co-campaigner, Mrs Harris said the introduction of charges would have a devstasting impact on trade.

She said: “It will really damage the town. We’ve still in a credit crunch and introducing parking charges will add additional pressure on shoppers and workers.

“This is not political, this is about everyone working together for the good of the town.”

The charges are part of HDC’s plans to raise extra revenue to address the shortfall in its budget.

INFORMATION: To join the group, visit Facebook and search for Stop HDC introducing parking charges at Riverside park St Neots.