Doomed: Car plan only one resident supports

From the archive, first published Tuesday 14th Mar 2006.

A CONTROVERSIAL parking scheme for the Arboretum area of Worcester looks set to be dropped.

However, a new scheme could be on the cards depending on the outcome of an assessment of congested parts of the city.

The Worcester News reported yesterday that there was huge opposition to the Arboretum proposal, which would have seen more than 500 households vying for around 300 permits at a cost starting from £30.

The report about the consultation period, which took place between Thursday, January 5, and Thursday, February 2, revealed that residents sent in 220 letters of objection, two letters of comment and a 484-signature petition opposing the scheme.

There was just one letter in favour of the plans.

Taking the result into account, the local elected members, who have the final say, will not support the measures.

City councillor Rob Peachey, said: "Everyone apart from one person is saying no so we can't possibly support it. We would be barmy to do so."

Coun Peachey's fellow city councillor for the area, Richard Bird, said: "I'm not going to support it in its present form - it's not acceptable.

"It is important to address parking in this area.

"The problem is that there is a difference in the needs of the residents."

Mary Drinkwater, the county councillor for the area, said: "So many people are against the scheme.

"It can't go ahead in this form. I don't think it would be fair on the residents."

Meanwhile, Bob Tannahill, chairman of the Arboretum Residents' Association, said news of the scheme being dropped "was expected".

He believed that the new assessment, which will look at just under 20 areas of the city that experience parking problems and compare them, would show how bad things are in the Arboretum are.

The report is due to be complete by the end of the month.

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