Sandy council staff subjected to abuse and personal attacks in response to planned new parking arrangements
Sandy Town Council has detailed how staff members have been subjected to abuse and personal attacks after the authority announced plans to introduce managed parking within the town.
The parking charges, which are due to go live from Sunday February 15, have proved a controversial issue, with the council saying they are aware of the ‘strength of feeling being expressed’ after announcing the new charges last month.
Under the planned new charges, parking will be free for up to two hours from Monday to Friday, with charges thereafter ranging from £1 for up to three hours, up to £25 for up to 24 hours.
On Saturdays, parking will also be free for up to two hours and then £2 for the whole day, while on Sundays it will be free for the whole day.
There has been particular controversy around permits, which can be purchased by eligible residents or businesses, within the Market Square, High Street, Cambridge Road, Park Road and Pleasant Place areas.
Pricing for the permits is currently under review, with permits allowing parking in the town centre car park anytime with no restriction.
The town council says on its website that ‘purchasing a permit reduces the daily rate of charge’, and also notes that a permit does not guarantee a parking space.
The council was forced to take to social media on Monday February 9 to encourage respectful debate about the issue.
The authority posted: “We recognise the strength of feeling around the proposed parking permits and appreciate residents taking the time to share their views.
“While debate is welcome, we will not tolerate verbal or written abuse, personal attacks or degrading comments towards staff.
“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of differing opinions.
“We encourage residents to keep discussions constructive so that feedback can genuinely help inform decision-making.”
Sandy Town Council told the Chronicle it did not comment on individual incidents or internal actions but added: “The council takes the welfare of its staff seriously and has appropriate internal processes in place to manage and respond to any inappropriate behaviour.”
On February 6 the town council had posted that feedback was being considered and that members were reviewing charging arrangements for permits.
The authority wrote: “We recognise the importance of getting this right for our community and members will be considering all feedback and reviewing the charging arrangements for permits accordingly.
“We value constructive engagement and appreciate residents taking the time to share their views.
“All comments help to inform the wider discussion and ensure that decisions are made with an understanding of local concerns.”
The issues of parking and permits are due to be discussed further at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday February 17.