Bradford Council axes Saturday charges to give Bingley a boost (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Council axes Saturday charges to give Bingley a boost

10:29am Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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Businesses in Bingley are set to get a welcome boost with the introduction of free parking for shoppers.

Bradford Council has announced that from this weekend there will be free parking every Saturday until Ireland Bridge re-opens in the summer.

The Council had previously said it would not introduce free parking, as suggested by Bingley Chamber of Trade, as the spaces could be taken by commuters instead of shoppers.

But now there is to be free parking every Saturday and on weekdays every parking ticket bought will include an extra hour’s parking for free.

The change will include car parks in Ferncliffe Road, Main Street, Queen Street and Victoria Street.

Bingley Chamber of Trade president Jamie Illingworth said: “I am delighted the Council has agreed to provide free parking in the town.

“I would urge people now to make the trip into Bingley during the difficult period for our members.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies said he wrote to Bradford Council asking them to look into local businesses’ concerns.

He said: “The Chamber of Trade has lobbied hard for this. We have had a recession, Bradford and Bingley has just closed and the Ireland Bridge closure is meaning villagers cannot get in and out of the area.

“This is a triple whammy so one of the things to help would be free parking in Bingley. I took the issue up with the Council on behalf of the chamber.

“I am delighted that Bradford Council has recognised these special circumstances and are prepared to help. Hopefully this will be a boost to businesses in Bingley to get them through a difficult time.”

David Dinsey, Bradford Council’s town centre manager for Bingley, said: “I am really pleased that our Parking Services are changing the short-stay parking fees.

“I hope this action will encourage shoppers to make the effort to shop in Bingley.”

Work started on the 17th-century Grade II listed Ireland Bridge – which carries the B6249 Harden Road over the River Aire – in January.

It is due to open again in July as a two- lane bridge.