Local councillor gets a ‘no’ over free parking for charity event

With approximately 400 participants set to embark on Newtown for the colour run, a local councillor has tried to secure free parking - but the response was a 'no'.

The eagerly anticipated Newtown Colour Run, organized by the Lingen Davies Cancer Charity and set to take place in Dolerw Park on October 1st, has garnered immense interest and enthusiasm from our local community. With an expected turnout of approximately 400 participants, this event promises to breathe life into Newtown and offer a welcome boost to our town center businesses.

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However, in light of previous experiences with parking congestion leading to slow or even crashed payment machines at the Back Lane car park, concerns have arisen.

Consequently, Councillor Peter Lewington, voiced a heartfelt plea to the Lib Dem Portfolio Holder. He sought a one-time exception: free parking for the day as a show of the county council's support for this incredibly worthy cause. The gesture, he argued, wouldn't strain the budget and would demonstrate the council's solidarity with this noble charity.

Regrettably, the response was a resounding "No."

Expressing his disappointment, Newtown West Welsh Conservative Councillor Peter Lewington remarked:

"I was very disheartened to learn that free parking for the day could not be approved without incurring an astronomical fee of £492.50, plus an £82.00 admin fee. This lack of support for events that draw visitors to Newtown, benefiting a cause of great significance and contributing positively to our local businesses, reflects not just a lack of empathy but also a lack of foresight regarding the economic and well-being impacts on our residents."

The absence of foresight is underscored by a revelation buried within the latest Revenue report's appendix: an admission that car parking charges for this financial year are set to exceed forecasts by £314,000.

In light of this, Councillor Lewington has asked the Portfolio Holder, Cllr Jackie Charlton to rethink her decision.