Plans to introduce ‘pay-and-display’ to a Devon car park could force a pet shop out of business, its worried owner has warned.
James McLean, who runs Sidmouth Pets with his wife, Liza, said the plans for the town centre car park had ignited serious fears that his business could suffer from a prolonged lack of trade.
Members of East Devon District Council’s Cabinet meet on tomorrow (October 2) to discuss the proposals to scrap the current two-hour free parking in favour of a pay-and-display facility.
The council is considering introducing the charges to generate revenue to recover some of the ongoing costs of running car parks and in some cases to fund overdue repairs.
TOUGH COMPETITION
But James McLean said Temple Street car park ‘more than pays for itself’ thanks to 20 reserved spaces it boasts, each bringing in sizeable tenant fees each year.
He told the Sidmouth Herald: “I think the proposals will really affect us…
“We usually have people coming in and taking away 15kg bags of dog food. They need to park close…
“Competition is really tough nowadays with the supermarkets and online shopping; we have had to provide free same-day delivery to try and offer a competitive service.”
James said the repercussions of making the car park pay-and-display could be ‘really harmful’ to his business, telling the Herald: “My wife and I are greatly worried that this could be the end of us.”
And he has launched a petition to fight against the proposals.
