You may have seen this photo doing the rounds in the media – I recently took it outside Delamere House, Cheshire East Council’s HQ in Crewe. It’s sparked quite a bit of conversation, and rightly so.
Many of us are scratching our heads over the council’s decision to introduce car park charges during evenings and on Sundays. In short – it’s bananas.
Fairness in car parking charges is important – and yes, it was unfair that towns like Crewe and Nantwich were paying while others such as Middlewich and Sandbach enjoyed free parking. That imbalance has now been corrected, which is a welcome step forward.
However, just as Crewe is on the rise – with some brilliant investment finally coming into the town – the council appears to be pulling in the opposite direction.
Look at what’s happening:
-
The brilliant Crewe Market Hall is thriving.
-
The Open In Crewe grants scheme has offered £30,000 to help attract new businesses – with amazing independents like Total Tile UK, Oden Lounge, and Big Mugs now part of our high street.
-
The Crewe Youth Zone is under construction.
-
Work is underway on the new History Centre.
Crewe is turning a corner – but adding parking charges in the evening and on Sundays risks putting a dampener on this progress. Why make it harder for people to pop into town for dinner, an event, or some weekend shopping?
🛍️ Some good news, though – The Market Shopping Centre in Crewe still offers FREE parking after 4.30pm and ALL DAY on Sundays.
It’s more important than ever to support our local businesses in Crewe and Nantwich – they’re the heart of our community.
💙 Let’s keep pushing for policies that help our towns thrive – not hold them back.