'It was incredibly short-sighted': Calderdale traders speak out over hike in parking fees amidst months of disruption
Traders are questioning whether the start of 18 months of major renovation works in their town is the right time for parking charges to be increased.
At the end of the extensive works to Brighouse town centre, some have said they cautiously feel their town will be improved and have a positive impact.
But they are worried that while the work – part of Brighouse’s £19.1m Town Deal award – is being carried out, footfall may reduce. They think Calderdale Council’s decision to hike rates at this time is questionable.
Charges at some car parks have doubled since last month.
Kirsty Devine, of Simply Devine Things, said she was excited about the work because “it’s going to look amazing when it’s done”.
“I think it’s going to give it a great facelift and it should also bring us some more tourism, which we’d absolutely love to welcome to Brighouse,” she said.
“With regard to the car parking charges, I do think it was incredibly short-sighted of the council to do it at a time like this.”
Ms Devine said businesses had asked for a holdout on increasing charges while the year-and-a-half of works were ongoing.
“At least at a time when people are more hesitant to visit, it might just increase footfall a little bit for us – but the outright answer was ‘no’,” she said.
Emma Turner, of Websters Distinctive Furniture, said works were causing problems for people with mobility issues being able to get around but when finished should have a good impact.
But, she said: “Car parking prices have doubled while this has been going on, so that’s not helping – we’re just keeping or fingers crossed really until it’s finished.”
Claire Mawson, of Claire’s Chop Shop barbers, said there were things that could help: “Maybe putting charges down a little bit on the car parking situation because I think that’s dramatically changed.”
Roger Davies, of The Roger Davies Gallery, agreed Brighouse needed a bit of a facelift with pavements and road services needing some “tender love and care”, although he was not sure renovations needed to be as extensive.
Responding to criticisms over the parking charges, the council said: “We appreciate people’s comments about the timing of the changes to parking charges in Brighouse.
“Unfortunately, there is never a right time to implement a change, especially where it involves increasing parking charges, but there will still be plenty of parking options for people who choose to use a car to visit or shop in the town.”
The council said the work in Brighouse would help the town thrive in the future.