Charges to park at Gore Lane in Spalding will not be introduced as yet after councillors were led to believe they would.
A notice in last week’s edition of The Voice advertised charges proposed to be introduced at the site off Sheep Market though South Holland District Council commented there were “no plans” for this to be introduced yet.
That was at odds with a report sent to Spalding councillors which said that the council was looking to bring in money through charges, particularly so it could refurbish the Gore Lane site which is not one of the district council’s official parking sites.
Coun Angela Newton raised the discrepancy and has said councillors have since been issued an apology and the council were looking at what could be learned.
A spokesman for South Holland District Council said: “At the moment, Gore Lane is currently being used as an unofficial car park and we are consulting with the public about adding it to the order.
“If the order is changed then refurbishment work, such as resurfacing, will need to happen to make it fit for charging. As it stands, we have no plans to introduce charges until the surface work and the installation of machines are completed.”
Last week’s announcement included increased charges to park at the Sheep Market and Westlode Street as well as the finalising of a permit scheme for Castle Sports Complex users so charges could be brought in for the gym side car park there.
Coun Newton said of the parking charges as a whole: “Clearly there has been little thought for struggling retailers, businesses and shoppers at this difficult time.”
The proposed charges are under public consultation until September 15.
* Last week’s article on the parking charges contained an error. All day parking at Westlode Street will cost £3 and the charge for up to four hours will be £2.
