Plans to boost car parking in Bishops Waltham

A LACK of car parking spaces is soon to be resolved for the residents of Bishop's Waltham.
Jubilee Hall car park in Bishop's Waltham

Picture: Millie SalkeldJubilee Hall car park in Bishop's Waltham

Picture: Millie Salkeld
Jubilee Hall car park in Bishop's Waltham Picture: Millie Salkeld

Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council has had plans approved for an extension to Jubilee Hall car park in Little Shore Lane in the town, however, work has been help up by financial issues.

Currently, the car park has 49 metered spaces but with the new development this will nearly triple that amount to 120.

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Shortage of spaces for park in the town centre has been reported as a major concern from the town’s community.

Barry Jerome, who lives in the town, said: ‘I think it is a good move. It can be difficult at busy times finding car parking spaces and this offers a good solution.

‘As the town’s population increases and more cars are in use it will become even more difficult.’

Winchester City Council (WCC) will manage the car park at Jubilee Hall on behalf of the council which insisted on protecting users and avoiding parking fees.

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Parish councillors were unhappy with an original proposal for one hour’s free parking offered by the WWC in line with its existing car parks.

A request from the parish council for two hours free parking has also been agreed to by the city council.

The project is expected cost upwards of £260,000 and despite WCC agreeing to double their contribution for £100,000 to help fund the project, there is still a significant amount left to source.

The parish council proposed increasing council tax in an attempt to fund the extension, however, results from a survey conducted by the parish show 60 per cent of residents rejected the idea.

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Councillor Barry Nicholson, chairman of the parish council said: ‘It is important to the parish council that the community is in agreement with the increase in council tax in order to fund the work involved.’

Cllr Nicholson added: ‘The parish council is continuing to look at other options available for this finance and is determined to solve the car parking shortage.’

In addition to funding, the plans have also been delayed by contractual issues and therefore the project is not expected to begin until later this year.