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Saturday, November 19, 2011
6:00 AM
THE cost of certain council run services is set to rise prompting anger among residents and business owners.
Colchester Borough Council has announced changes to its fees and charges for parking and recreation and leisure facilities.
From January next year, parking on Sundays, which is currently free of charge, will incur a fee, while the cost of using the swimming pool and hiring facilities at Colchester Leisure World has marginally increased.
Beach hut rents at West Mersea will also go up by 3% from 2012. The average cost of owning a large front row hut increased last year from around £128 to £223 causing anger from owners. Now the fee looks set to reach £230, while
the cost for a non-resident will go up from £376 to a staggering £390.
Ron Brayling, who has owned a beach hut in the area for 20 years said the announcement was unfair and will upset a lot of owners.
“I should think it will put people off keeping their hut. I think the fees are extortionate as it is. It’s a hell of a lot of money to pay out,” he said.
“It hasn’t put us off yet and for a lot of people who take their children down to the beach hut, it’s an inexpensive day out but this rise in fees will upset a lot of people.”
Independent retailers in the town have also criticised the decision to charge for parking on Sundays.
Sarah Donaldson from Red Lion Books said a lot of residents come into town on a Sunday to do their shopping only because it’s free to park.
“I think that pull to come into Colchester on a Sunday is that you don’t have to pay to park - the car parks are completely full but this is going to put people off and effect business,” she said.
“If the council starts charging they are then going to have to pay a salary to someone to check the tickets and surely that will cost more than just allowing free parking. I don’t see how anyone will benefit. I think it’s completely mad.”
From next year council car parks, including Britannia, Priory Street and Vineyard Street will charge 50p for a short stay on Sundays. A 50p overnight rate will also be introduced.
However, the cost of parking at these car parks from Monday and Saturday will remain the same, which, the council say, should benefit shoppers and local businesses.
There will also be no increase in charges for market traders in the town.
Resources portfolio holder Paul Smith said: “We fully acknowledge the continuing difficult economic times for our residents and visitors and will continue to listen and respond to their needs. The Council will strive to keep any increases to a minimum.
“All decisions are based on our desire to be fair both to the users of the services and to the taxpayers of Colchester, as fees and charges form a significant part of the Council’s overall budget.”
Some cemetery and crematorium charges will be increased between 3% and 6%, while pest control fees will also go up by around 4%.