CIVIC leaders have responded to the news that parking fees will be introduced in Thornbury next year.

Thornbury Town Council says it ‘sympathises with people’s frustrations’ on the issue.

A spokesperson said: “We are seeing and hearing the concerns being raised and sympathise with people’s frustrations.”

The town council has previously objected to the charges and responded accordingly in the public consultation held by SGC.

MP Claire Young said: “As the former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, I know just how hard it’s been to balance the books after years of heavy funding cuts from the Conservatives in Westminster.

“It is unfortunate that the council has now been forced to introduce some charges in the council owned car parks to try and make up this shortfall.

“However, I am pleased that the new scheme has safeguards - particularly to enable people to park for free when visiting their GP and also a short stay exemption.”

Concerns have also been raised by Alan Cole, the centre manager for St Mary’s Shopping Centre.

He said: “I urge SGC to reconsider their pay parking plans, taking account the genuine concerns of residents and businesses to ensure a thriving community.”

Thornbury Chamber of Commerce has responded to the announcement by South Gloucestershire Council of how it will implement the introduction of car parking charges in its car parks in Thornbury next year.

The Chamber became aware of the plans on October 1, with local residents angrily posting on social media about the plans.

Chamber members have already posted their response to the town council’s statement on the parking plan.

In a statement it said: “The Chamber strongly opposes SGC’s current plans to introduce car parking charges in the town, which fail to account for the serious detrimental impact on our local economy.

“Thornbury businesses are already facing immense challenges and the proposed additional cost of possibly over £1,000 per staff member per year is simply unsustainable.

“This added financial strain will place many businesses in an untenable position, especially when they are only just beginning to recover from the high street pedestrianisation—a decision strongly opposed by the community, yet implemented regardless.

Thornbury Town Council says it ‘sympathises with people’s frustrations’ about the new parking fees  (Image: Doug Fowler) “Moreover, these parking charges will worsen ongoing issues such as off-street parking incidents, forcing more vehicles into residential areas and creating congestion and safety concerns.

“Thornbury Chamber of Commerce previously set out its views on the proposals following extensive research with its members and local residents, as well as lengthy meetings with Claire Young, then Leader of SGC, who assured the Chamber of Commerce that Thornbury would be treated as an individual case.

“The proposals now outlined, fail to consider the unique challenges we continue to face in the town.

“We urge the council to reconsider this proposal before it causes irreversible damage to Thornbury’s economy and the livelihood of its residents.”

South Gloucestershire Council says the charges will officially be launched in 22 car parks across the district next spring.

Charges will apply between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday but will remain free on Sundays and bank holidays.

Affected car parks in Thornbury include Castle Court and Rock Street and in Yate include Kennedy Way and Yate Leisure Centre South.

The fees will be separated into long and short stay charges, with the cheapest a stay of up to one hour for 70p in a short stay parking space.

Meanwhile, the most expensive is a £9 for a day rate in long stay car parks.

A protest was held in Thornbury against the new fees in February (Image: St Mary Centre / Thornbury Chamber of Commerce / Thornbury Town and District Residents Association )