Stafford shoppers blamed over £45 parking charge

Stafford residents who may soon have to pay up to £45 a year to park outside their own homes today blamed shoppers and office workers for clogging up the much-needed spaces.

Council bosses are considering introducing a permit for residents in Cramer Street, New Garden Street, Garden Street and Alexandra Road.

The plan is for a £45 annual fee for an average resident, £22.50 a year for OAPs and a £45 season ticket that could be bought by a "general visitor" who would be allowed to park for four hours.

Residents say the problem is caused by shoppers and workers dumping their vehicles in nearby residential streets. They sat it is unfair to charge them for a problem that is not their fault.

Cramer Street's Roseanne Dixon, a 50-year-old council worker, said she was unhappy that homeowners were being made to pay and said the rules were baffling.

She said: "It's not quite clear what we are being offered yet as far as visitors are concerned.

"I have a family of eight, I'm not quite sure the bay dimensions would be big enough.

"If you look on the map they have given us there does not seem to be enough space for all the people who will be affected. You might pay £45 and still not be able to park."

Simon Beal, a 38-year-old writer, who lives in New Garden Street, added: "If we were to have mates come around what would we do then? I just can't see it working."

Staffordshire County Councillor Mark Heenan said there was a large demand for car parking in the area.

He said: "Responding to residents' concerns and their desire for some form of parking control, the local parking committee has decided that this area of Stafford is to be considered for the introduction of a residents' parking scheme

"A consultation with local residents is currently ongoing. A final decision on the matter will not be made until after the consultation has ended."

By Harry Gottschalk