Car Park U-Turn? MP Hails ‘Excellent News’ for Cornwall

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall has welcomed changes to Cornwall Council’s car park proposals, describing the update as “excellent news” and praising the authority for listening to residents.

Concerns Raised Over Proposals

Ben Maguire said many people in his constituency had contacted him about the proposed changes. These included car parks along the Camel Trail and at Kit Hill.

Cornwall Council has been consulting on a range of proposals affecting car parks across Cornwall, including tariffs and overnight motorhome parking. Ben said he passed on residents’ views directly to the Council.

Under the revised proposals, the first hour would be free in a number of car parks where charges had originally been planned. This, the Council says, would ensure residents still have ample time for everyday activities such as dog walking and short visits.

Contrast With Previous Administration

Ben contrasted the current Liberal Democrat and Independent run administration with previous Conservative led proposals. He referred to earlier plans to privatise council assets, including transferring council owned car parks, as well as the proposed sale of Cornwall Airport Newquay. The airport sale was later scrapped following widespread public opposition.

He also said the previous Conservative administration left Cornwall Council facing severe financial pressures and mounting debts. He added that the current Council is now being forced to make difficult decisions after the Government’s local funding settlement fell far short of the amount required.

What Ben Said

Commenting on the revised car park proposals, Ben said:

“This is excellent news, and it’s great to see a Council that actually listens to residents and is prepared to adapt plans when people raise genuine concerns. I know how strongly many people in my North Cornwall constituency felt about these proposals, and I’m pleased their voices have clearly been heard.

“This stands in clear contrast to the previous Conservative administration, which tried to push through the privatisation of Cornwall’s car parks and the sale of Newquay Airport despite huge public opposition. Public assets like these should be run in the interests of local people, not sold off without proper consultation or consent.”