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51 new car parking spaces
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WE’VE done it! Thanks to an intensive five week campaign by the Bells/Advertiser to secure extra parking spaces in the centre of Epworth, an extra 51 spaces are now on the horizon.
Preliminary work has already begun in the Albion Hill area of the town where the majority of the extra places will be located.
It will bring a welcome shot in the arm to businesses worried about a possible ‘double dip’ recession and for beleaguered shoppers who struggle to park in the Isle town.
Joining our campaign - which was launched following decades of parking misery - were Conservative Axholme Central ward councillors Liz Redfern and David Robinson.
Coun Redfern, herself an Epworth resident and leader of North Lincolnshire Council, has worked behind the scenes with council officers to deliver the much-needed spaces.
A public meeting was organised in Epworth by the Bells/Advertiser - and chaired by Isle MP Andrew Percy - following an overwhelming ‘sort it out’ message from residents, businesses and elected officials.
Formal plans were drawn up for the extra parking which Coun Redfern hopes will alleviate some of the problems people face when tourists and shoppers visit Epworth.
She said: “These plans will be a real help to residents and businesses alike and will go a long way to support the local economy.
“Demolition contractors J White have already took possession of the North Lincolnshire Homes site (on Albion Hill) and the contract will take five weeks to clear, after which work can commence to create a new car park.”
Councillor Robinson added: “The overall plans not only provide much needed extra parking in the centre of Epworth but also support highway safety improvements.”
Most of the 51 spaces will be sited in the Albion Hill area although there are also plans for others, outside the HSBC Bank on Market Place and on both Chapel Street and the High Street.
The proposals were approved by Epworth Town Council when it met this month although some members raised safety concerns about the proposed spaces on both Albion Hill and the Market Place.
Coun Redfern, addressing the town council of which she is also a member, said the proposals had met with “100 per cent support” during a consultation period with local residents.
Mr Percy added: “Once again this is good news for the residents of Epworth.
“The local Conservatives are delivering on yet another election pledge which will hopefully deliver real results for the economy in Epworth.”
Bells/Advertiser Deputy Editor Stephanie Bateman said: “This is tremendous news after years of parking misery in the town and I am extremely proud that the newspaper played such a major part in finding a solution.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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