We all know that Walsall Council, in common with all other Council’s across the UK, has to find massive savings because of the economic difficulties the country is still battling with as a result of the banking crisis back in 2008.

We all know that recovering from the worst economic crisis that this country has faced since the great depression in the 1930s will take a decade or more.

We are just beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. There are more people in work than ever before and this last month wages on average have begun to hold their own against the cost of living.

The last thing we need right now is for something to come along to set district centres back into depression. That is what Labour’s proposal to introduce parking charges will do to the likes of Willenhall, Darlaston, Bloxwich, Brownhills and Aldridge.

The report to last night’s meeting says it all really, under the heading Economic Implications it says – The introduction of car park charges may have an adverse impact on the local economies of the district centres if as a result customers visit on a less frequent basis.

Under the heading Partners the report goes on to say – Employees of any partner agency located in the district centres and currently using Council car parks for their parking provision will be required to pay the new parking charge should they wish to continue using council car parks. Station Street in Bloxwich is of particular note given its extensive use by employees of West Midlands Police.

The report also points out that motorists affected the introduction of district centre parking charges might seek alternative car parking arrangements in nearby residential streets.

Ian urged the Labour Cabinet member for the environment and transport to think again. It’s a one off saving of £100,000 which when set against the £29 million the Council needs to save this year hardly scratches the surface and could cost many times more than that in lost revenue as shoppers and businesses vote with their feet and go elsewhere as well as making the job of the Cabinet member for Regeneration all the more difficult.