Car park review slammed

The new Mayor of Newtown shared his 'frustrations' over the review of car parking undertaken by the county council, which will result in Newtown visitors paying more to effectively subsidise smaller towns.

Cllr Pete Lewington, the new Mayor of Newtown and County Councillor for Newtown West said he was 'frustrated' over the car parking review undertaken by Powys County Council.

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Cllr Lewington was giving an update to town councillors as part of his work as a county councillor, when he brought up the recent review. Responding to former Mayor, Cllr John Byrne, who was Newtown's rep on the review he said:

"I share your frustrations."

"Unfortunately, the recommendations of the working group in there were, in my opinion, basically ignored and replaced with officers recommendations."

Cllr Byrne said:

"I'm just gonna say I'm really disappointed as somebody who was on those workshops and groups, I just think we've wasted another load of money where common sense should have prevailed in a lot of places."

"I thought local authority were not-for-profit organizations, so why are we working on income revenue streams. [The] money that they make on these car parks, I'm sure is not going to be reinvested in those."

"It's just very, very disappointing."

All About Newtown has initiated a petition urging Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council to consider providing free car parking on weekends in Newtown, like Brecon.

This call for action comes after the successful implementation of free parking during popular events like the Food Festival and Newtown 10k.

The proposal suggests that even if the Town Council were to support free parking solely at the Gravel Car Park every Saturday of the year, it would only amount to an additional £2.88 per year for Band D residents through their council tax.

A recent survey conducted by All About Newtown revealed that a majority of respondents believe the high parking costs are detrimental to the town center's viability.

To support the call for free parking in Newtown, residents and visitors can sign the petition here.