downsmail.co.uk
Fremlin backtracks as parking fury explodes
THEfirm behind a massive hike in parking charges at Fremlin Walk has backed down and reinstated the old pricing system, pending a review. Drivers found charges at the 760-
space car park had effectively dou- bled overnight from Monday, July 10, causing fury. One Downs Mail reader stayed for little over two hours andwas left £8 out of pocket. On Fridays and Saturdays - the
most expensive days to park - car owners were expected to shell out £3.50 for half an hour, and £10 if their shopping trip took them longer than four.
Indigo, which manages parking at FremlinWalk, claims a steep rise in business rates and rental charges, in- troduced by the Government in April,was behind the decision. However, a flood of comments
from outraged users,whodescribed the prices as “hideously expensive, even before the increase” and “dearer than London”; coupled with concern from FremlinWalk’s owner about the impact on shoppers saw the old prices reinstated after just
five days (July 15). Big fears about the affect of high parking charges on the town’s foot- fall - already under pressure from centres like Bluewater, which offers free parking, and online shopping – has been expressed by Lib Dem town centre borough councillor Clive English. He has branded the Government decision to raise the rates on car parks as “very strange” when High Street visitors up and down the country are in freefall. Cllr English said: “I am glad In-
digo is reviewing this price change. While I understand, as a commercial operation, its reason for raising them, they need to take a longer term view and appreciate that peo- ple’s shopping budget is price sensi- tive and parking charges are a part of that.” Lloyd Wright, Centre Manager at Fremlin Walk, which is owned by M&GReal Estate, said:“We are cur- rently in discussions with our car park operator, Indigo, with regards to the recent pricing changes at the shopping centre.We are determined to deliver a high quality service for our local community at a competi- tive rate, and therefore we will be seeking a resolution to ensure our centre remains accessible and af- fordable for all.” Driver Alex Hughes said on Face-
book: “I estimate the car park is rak- ing in around £250,000 aweek ... I’m sure Fremlin walk would love to give their share of the profit to re- duced pricing.” Indigo has said the old prices will remain while a review into charging is carried out.
News
Driver cheats jail - but must
do services ABANNEDdriver cheated prison despite being convicted of a string of offences. Paul Anthony Lamming was sentenced on 23 June 2017 at Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court. He had pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, driving with- out insurance, failing to stop after a road accident and using threat- ening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, butwas convicted of the offences by magistrates. On June 14, 2016, the 43-year-
old, of Willow Crescent, Staple- hurst, drove an Audi in Gybbon Rise, Staplehurst, dangerously and with no insurance. He also failed to stop the vehicle
after a road accident, where dam- agewas caused to another vehicle, and used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour towards a man, causing him harassment, alarm and distress. Magistrates sentenced Lamming
to 63 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, banned him from driving for 15 months and ordered him to carry out 150 hours of un- paid work in the next 12 months. He must also pay a £1,250 fine and £250 compensation.
Maidstone August 2017
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