Around 1,000 people have backed a petition calling for free parking to back businesses in Stone’s town centre.
The petition launched by Sir Gavin Williamson MP calls on Stafford Borough Council to introduce two hours of free parking on Christchurch Way and Crown Street car parks. He says the move would support High Street traders and “greatly help increase footfall and support their livelihoods”.
Sir Gavin argues that the lack of free, easy-to-access parking is negatively impacting Stone High Street and is unsustainable for the local businesses and organisations based there.
Around 600 signatures have been collected online, with hundreds more on clipboards in shops and other businesses in the town. It is estimated that over 1,000 signatures have been gathered so far.
The Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge MP said: “I am particularly concerned about the future of local High Street businesses, given that they continue to face increasing overheads, including on rent, National Insurance contributions, and potential massive increases to their business rates.
“Whilst I have tirelessly campaigned on these issues, such as by hosting a recent debate on business rate relief in Parliament, I believe that it is essential that we support Stone High Street directly.”
Among those supporting the campaign is Nick Griffin, owner of family-run butchery Griffins of Stone on High Street.
He said: “As a local butcher and small business owner in Stone, I know how important easy access is for our customers. Free town centre parking isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline for local shops, helping keep our high street busy, our businesses thriving, and our community strong.”
Stafford Borough Council said its parking charges help fund the running and maintenance of its car parks.
Responding to the petition, spokesperson Will Conaghan told Daily Focus: “We keep parking charges in Stone as low as we can. It is £1.40 for two hours in the council run car parks and this money goes towards the upkeep and maintenance of those car parks including lighting, CCTV, cleaning and public toilets in Crown Street.
“If we did not charge for parking these would need to be funded from council tax or through cuts in services. There is also some free, time limited, on street parking options available in Stone.”
The petition can be found here.
Should there be two hours of free parking in Stone? Let us know in the comments section below.
