Council to reignite economy with free parking across Dewsbury

A council has u-turned its decision to start re-charging for parking in Dewsbury as the town’s businesses plan to open their doors since closing in March.
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Kirklees Council-run car parks and spaces will remain free in Dewsbury to use for visitors in a bid to get the town’s economy up and running again, as businesses put in vital preparations to re-open for the first time in nearly three months.

The decision was made after Paul Ellis, President of Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, sent a letter to the council arguing the benefits of prolonging the suspension of parking charges until further notice, which was already in place during the coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown.

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Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, President Paul Ellis said: “It’s too early to start re-charging for parking.

Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, President Paul EllisDewsbury Chamber of Trade, President Paul Ellis
Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, President Paul Ellis

“The amount of money from charging will be insignificant compared to the boost a gesture like this could do to give the town’s economy the kickstart it needs - free parking is a good incentive to get people back into the town centre spending again.

“I doubt many people haven’t used loose change in months, and people have been ‘furloughed’ over that time and don’t have disposable income for parking metres.

“There’s no rush to do something which will put people off from visiting Dewsbury and it seems many will avoid public transport and prefer to use their cars.”

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A statement from the council, said: “The Council will not be re-starting parking charges next week [June 15] in Dewsbury also that a date have not been determined when they will.”

“Kirklees have been second to none in dealing with this crisis over the last three months,” said Mr Ellis.