Ledbury tells Herefordshire Council to think again on plans to axe town carpark.

7.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 5th Oct 2009

Local traders face tough times if car parking spaces in Ledbury is axed.

Following revelations about the planned loss of 58 car parking spaces in Ledbury town centre, residents and local businesses have organised a campaign to save their town centre. With off-street parking already scarce, local traders have already collected over 1,800 signatures in support of keeping what currently exists.

Herefordshire Council's aim to build a new library next to the old Master's House led them to agree a deal that involves the loss of 58 spaces from the St. Katherine's car park. The Council has carried out a survey of parking over just one week (outside of the tourist season) and will shortly report its findings.

It is this deal that has provoked an angry response from the town. The 'STOP' (Save Town's Off-street Parking) campaign led by Ledbury's Traders' Association is rallying support for the town's historic centre. Chair of the Association and owner of 'Past and Present' Annette Crowe has been working with Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lucy Hurds to make Herefordshire Council rethink their plans.

"Unless they [Herefordshire Council] find suitable space to compensate for the loss of parking at St. Katherines, the death knell of Ledbury will be heard. Herefordshire Council need to listen to us. We are here seven days a week and know what people's opinions are. If the high street dies, so will Ledbury and Herefordshire Council will be responsible" said Annette.

The planning decision for the new library is set to go to consultation through the Council within the next month.