Sefton Council buckle – Still free parking at Botanic Gardens

Photo: Verulam Road

Sefton Council decide not to introduce car parking charges at the Botanic Gardens.

The decision to introduce car parking charges at the car park on Verulam Road was included in the Council Budget for 2015/2016 however the council have now finally agreed not to introduce charges.

Meols ward councillor John Dodd, who has led the campaign against the introduction of car parking charges said

“I am over the moon that Sefton Council has decided not to proceed with car parking charges.  This decision is great news for the 1,000s of people who visit the park and for the volunteers who do a fantastic job making the Botanic Gardens Southport’s jewel in the crown.”

Councillor John Dodd added “The decision is also great news for parents who use this car park to drop off children for Churchtown Primary School and will continue to give the children the chance of a walk through the park on their way to lessons.”

Cambridge Ward councillor and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Sue McGuire explained “We would like to thank  Councillor John Fairclough for listening to local councillors, the Botanic Gardens volunteers and residents before making his decision. Regular park users know that parking charges here could have sounded the death knell for the Botanic Gardens”.

Councillor McGuire added “Whilst we understand that the council is under financial pressure, the projected income and costs involved with the introduction of a pay and display scheme here just didn’t add up.  By my basic reckoning it would have taken at least 2 years before the initial costs would have been recouped and before any income was generated for the Council coffers”.

Link to the report

http://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/moderngov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9688

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