'They are buffoons' - council bosses branded ‘short-sighted’ and ‘stupid’ for scrapping free parking in Blackburn town centre

From today, late afternoon shoppers and visitors will have to pay at least a pound to leave their car at 11 locations.

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Traders said the return of the charge from 3pm to 6pm, abolished in November 2013, was ‘disappointing’ and ‘short-sighted’ and would damage their businesses.

Short-stay council car parks in many surrounding towns including Darwen, Accrington, Rawtenstall, Haslingden, Nelson and Colne are free with Burnley and Clitheroe both levying small charges.

Council Liberal Democrat leader David Foster said: “This decision is short-sighted, disappointing and ludicrous.”

And borough Tory group leader Mike Lee said: “I think this is a step backwards for the town which will led to reduced footfall in Blackburn’s central shopping area.”

Fleming Square hairdresser Jeff Stone said: “They are buffoons. This decision is short-sighted and stupid.

“It will hurt small businesses in the town centre.”

Free parking will continue on all borough-owned car parks within Blackburn town centre on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ending the afternoon free parking will generate more £65,000 a year for Blackburn with Darwen Council as it seeks to save millions of pounds a year after Whitehall grant cuts.

Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Phil Riley said the completion of the ring road, £34 million Cathedral Quarter and other improvements including the imminent opening of the new Ainsworth Street bus station meant the concession was no longer necessary to attract shoppers.

He said: “It was always meant to be short-term while the regeneration of the town centre went ahead.

“It is our opinion that the ‘Free after 3pm’ concession is no longer needed.

“It has done its job. It will also help with our savings target for the council.

“The town centre is in markedly better shape than it was three years ago.”

Blackburn Chamber of Trade President Tony Duckworth, who in 2013 described the ‘Free after 3pm’ concession as ‘fantastic’, said: “This was a very good initiative that was warmly welcomed.

“We are very disappointed that the council has ended it.

“It is a short-sighted move that will negatively impact town centre retailers, especially smaller traders.

“I used to feel able to pop into the town after 3pm, not bothered about parking charges or change for the machines.

“I won’t be able to do so in future so probably will not bother, as will many other people.

“Free after 3pm extended the shopping day for residents and the trading day for shopkeepers. It will be missed.”

Blackburn Improvement District board member and town centre jeweller Phil Ainsworth said: “Our view is that it is disappointing the council is cancelling its free parking after 3pm offer.

“It will have a negative impact on small independent traders in the town centre.”

The change in afternoon charges affect the Barton Street, Fleming Square, King Street, Salford, Simmons Street, Weir Street, Waves, Watford Street, Mill Lane, Starkie Street, and Feilden Street car parks Charges vary from at least £1 for an hour to between £1.70 to £2.50 for two to three hours.

People caught parking without paying after 3pm will face fines of £50, or £25 if paid within 14 days.

Privately owned car parks including The Mall shopping centre. Morrisons and Market Street Lane will continue to charge as usual.

Cllr Foster said: “What is the point of spending all this money refurbishing the town centre and then removing the concession that attracts people to come shopping in the late afternoon or after work?

“It’s giving with one hand and taking away with the other.”

Cllr Lee said: “This seems short-sighted and bad news for small town centre traders.

“I don’t understand the reasons behind this decision.”

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkin said: “Council owned car parks in Accrington and the surrounding towns remain free and will do so while Labour controls the borough.

“Late afternoon shoppers are always welcome in Hyndburn.”