Wirral business owners' concerns over parking charge plans

The proprietors of Fort Perch Rock, The Mess Café and Bar and Escape The Fort have written a joint open letter to Wirral Council leader Paul Stuart and Wallasey MP Angela Eagle, expressing concerns over the plans for new parking charges at more than 20 Wirral sites.

The proposals were dropped by the council in 2022 due to what was described as 'intense opposition and legal challenges'.

But on September 25, the authority announced plans for a traffic regulation order that would see charges introduced at 22 car parks and on three roads where they are currently free.

The owners of businesses located at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton fear they 'will be forced to wind down immediately' leading to 25 job losses if parking charges are introduced (Image: Gary Beale) Car parks where people already pay are also set to see an increase.

Rates will range from £1.20 for one hour to £6 for four hours or more. A £1 overnight charge will also be brought in for anyone wanting to park between 6.30pm and 8am.

Among the sites are the ‘key’ tourist and visitor attractions at Kings Parade and Coastal Drive in New Brighton; North Parade and Meols Parade and South Parade, West Kirby.

Charges at these sites would be introduced and also include overnight parking charges.

The council has said introducing more paid-for parking controls will "help address the challenges and future parking impacts by managing traffic, congestion, and ensuring regular turnover of spaces in line with the approved Wirral Parking Strategy".

It added that charging would "allow the council to meet the costs of continuing to provide dedicated public car parking into the future in a fair and equitable manner, ensuring that any new parking plans are self-financing".

Blue Badge holders will not need to pay for parking as long as they clearly display their Blue Badge.

Public consultation continues. To have your say on the Car Parking Charges - Traffic Regulation Orders Consultation 2024 go to  haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk .

In their open letter, which was also sent to the Globe , the owners of Fort Perch Rock, The Mess Café and Bar, and Escape The Fort say they fear visitor numbers would 'drop significantly during the winter months, and these parking charges would worsen an already fragile situation, making it even harder for businesses to survive'.

The letter read: "If these charges are introduced, Fort Perch Rock, The Mess Café and Bar, and Escape The Fort will be forced to wind down immediately, leading to the loss of 25 jobs.

"Additionally, the public will lose access to Fort Perch Rock, a site of immense historical and cultural value. The local businesses operating at the Fort have already faced serious challenges, and the burden of these charges would be too much to bear.

"Escape The Fort is an award-winning, top New Brighton attraction that has brought visitors from as far afield as London and Scotland. It has played a crucial role in attracting tourism to the area. If these charges are implemented, New Brighton will lose not only a popular destination but also the economic benefits that come with it.

"The Mess Café and Bar has been an important community hub, and this winter, it was planning to welcome pensioners who have lost their fuel allowance to come in, keep warm, and enjoy complementary hot drinks and snacks.

The owners of businesses located at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton fear they 'will be forced to wind down immediately' leading to 25 job losses if parking charges are introduced (Image: Gary Beale) "This initiative, designed to support the most vulnerable members of our community, will no longer be possible if these parking charges go ahead.

"The Mess also boasts a vibrant cultural program and was instrumental in discovering and promoting Brad Kella, the winner of Channel 4's hit show The Piano.

"The loss of The Mess would not only be a blow to local businesses but also to the cultural life of New Brighton.

"Moreover, the summer music and cultural events that have brought big names like Paul Young, Judge Jules, and Lisa Lashes to Fort Perch Rock would no longer take place in 2025.

"These events have been vital in drawing visitors to the area and have made a significant contribution to the local economy and community spirit. Without these events, New Brighton will lose much of its cultural and economic vibrancy.

"Additionally, our ongoing efforts to renovate the museum at Fort Perch Rock, aimed at providing both locals and tourists with the opportunity to learn about and connect with the rich history of the area, will have to be abandoned if parking charges are imposed.

"This project is crucial for preserving the heritage of the area, but it cannot go forward under these conditions.

"We urge the council to reconsider the massive negative impact these parking charges will have on local residents and tourists alike.

The owners of businesses located at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton fear they 'will be forced to wind down immediately' leading to 25 job losses if parking charges are introduced (Image: Gary Beale) "While we recognise the financial pressures the council faces, introducing parking charges in this way is a short-sighted solution that will hurt the poorest families and local businesses the most.

"The council must explore more thoughtful and creative ways to address budget shortfalls without sacrificing the very heart of New Brighton’s community and economy.

"Introducing parking charges will prevent families from enjoying a day at the beach, destroy the businesses that are critical to New Brighton’s survival, and bring an end to the cultural events and community initiatives that have made the area a vibrant destination.

"We ask you to reconsider this harmful proposal for the future of our community".