I'll Fight to Scrap Shepway's On-Street Parking Charges says Lynne

Lynne Beaumont, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Folkestone Park ward by-elections on 22nd November, has pledged to fight in the Council for the scrapping of on-street parking charges in Folkestone if elected.

Since the introduction of new on-street parking charges in Folkestone by Conservative Shepway Council, many traders have seen takings drop - some by up to £1,000 a week. Some businesses are considering moving out of the town or may even fold unless things change, according to reports in the local press.

Despite the desperation from local businesses, Conservative Council Leader Robert Bliss has been quoted in the Folkestone Herald as saying that he was "amazed that they can blame parking for a change in turnover."

Lynne Beaumont is a strong local and national campaigner, and has experience of standing up for Folkestone and Shepway having been a Councillor from 2003-2011, leading the opposition Lib Dem group for much of that time.

Lynne says:

"It's devastating to see Folkestone's streets so empty. On-street parking charges have really hurt Folkestone and our traders - as local businesses and people TOLD the Conservatives they would. We need action on this now - but the Conservative leadership are not to be listening.

"We don't need token gestures, small concessions or better marketing. We need free on-street parking back. We need Shepway to pledge not to introduce on-street parking charges anywhere else in our district.

"In the forthcoming Park by-elections, voters can send a STRONG message to the ruling Conservatives. If I'm elected, I'll fight to get the new parking charges scrapped and to make Councillors see sense. I'll speak up for Folkestone and Shepway.

"If the Conservatives sneak back in again in Park ward, then they'll think they can get away with anything. We need to make them listen."