Car Parking in the Town Centre

I was unable to attend the recent Resources Committee meeting for reasons explained in earlier blog. I was quite fascinated at the headlines in the local press about the partnership work undertaken with the Council and the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce in reaching an agreement to the parking rates as 'A Battle Won'. There has never been a battle and frankly there is not a winner or loser. What did happen was a coming together to explore the best possible support CBC could give in these tough economic times to a Chamber willing to take some responsibility for promoting our High Street shops and gain the benefits accordingly. The Chamber made their case and the Council explored every possibility to encourage Chamber to be more proactive in making Christchurch town centre a busier place with Chamber members and others benefitting accordingly. The brave final decision to change the charging rates by the committee is an indication as to how this Council is listening to and working with organisations like the COC who are willing to engage, understanding the constraints the Council is working under. No 'battle' just common sense partnership working! The resulting decision is now out for consultation and I am going to be very interested as to the reaction from residents and businesses to, what I think is the right way forward.