We, the undersigned, call on Waltham Forest's Green Council to abandon its plans to sell off Richmond Road Car Park and to keep it open for residents, shoppers and local businesses.
The previous Labour administration introduced harsh new parking restrictions on our high streets. They ignored the voices of 6,000 residents who signed our petition and the 89% who opposed the plans in an official consultation that cost the taxpayer £20,000.
The result has been damaging. Many residents no longer pop into local shops. They now drive to out of town retail parks where parking is free and easy. Local businesses are already reporting a big drop in footfall, and some warn they may be forced to close within months if things do not change.
When the Green Council took control, it promised to do things differently. It said it would listen to residents. It committed to reviewing parking arrangements across the borough. Residents and traders took them at their word.
Instead, without warning, the Green Council has sprung plans on us to sell off Richmond Road Car Park. There has been no review and no proper conversation with the people affected. This is not listening. It is the same top down approach residents rejected under Labour.
Losing this car park would be another blow to our high street at the worst possible time. Fewer spaces mean fewer visitors, fewer sales and more empty shop units. Older residents, people with mobility needs, families and traders who rely on easy access will be hit hardest.
Pushing people away from local shops and towards car journeys to distant retail parks is bad for our community and bad for the environment. Keeping our high streets thriving means making it easy for people to shop locally.
We call on Waltham Forest Green Council to:
Scrap the plans to sell off Richmond Road Car Park and keep it in public use
Keep its promise and carry out the parking review it committed to, before any decision is made on the car park
Listen to residents and local businesses before making decisions that affect our high streets
Our high streets are the heart of our community. The Green Council promised to listen. Now is the time to prove it. Once this car park is gone, it is gone for good.