Keyworth residents are becoming exasperated by the parking problems in the area of Church Drive and the Parade. Mainly as a result of a big increase in car commuting by staff and students at South Wolds School (but also because the temporary absence of a car park in the village centre has tempted shoppers to the Parade), there is hardly anywhere to park!
The Borough Council's car park behind Budgens (intended for shoppers) is now regularly full with school commuters, and the problem has also spread to the Leisure Centre and the Keyworth Tavern. Faced with a hefty repair bill for their car park, the pub licensees have now closed it to non-customers.
I recently met the Borough Council's Property and Design Manager on-site, explained the problem and agreed a course of action. Keyworth will now be included in the Council's borough-wide parking issues review, and the Council is going to contact all interested parties and invite them to a meeting on 15 March.
The Borough Council is going to take over (from the police) the enforcement of all parking regulations in Rushcliffe from 1 January 2008, under the new arrangements for decriminalisation.
A word of warning - any new measures introduced by the Council, such as time-limited parking, will have to be "cost-neutral" to the taxpayer. This could mean "pay and display". What do you think about paying for parking? Would you pay a modest sum if it means you can always park where you want? Or do you feel that public parking in your home area should be free? Please mail me to express your opinion.
