The Conservative Group is waiting to hear if Labour/Independent led Cheshire East Council, will grant a Car Parking Fee respite period over the festive period at today’s Cabinet Meeting. At the same time, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick revealed that shops will be allowed to stay open for longer in the run-up to Christmas and in January. He explained that he wants councils to waive rules that restrict trading hours.
Shops currently have to apply under the town and country planning act if they want to extend their hours beyond 9am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, but Mr Jenrick wants this removed in order to boost the retail industry.
He stated:
"As Local Government Secretary I am relaxing planning restrictions and issuing an unambiguous request to councils to allow businesses to welcome us into their glowing stores late into the evening and beyond. Those stores and supermarkets will be able to replenish their shelves whenever they wish, with flexible deliveries to keep the streets free for the rest of us when we are out and about.”
Cheshire East Conservative Group Leader Cllr Janet Clowes said;
“This is excellent news and will provide a real boost for struggling retailers. We are very much hoping that Cheshire East Council will respond positively to our request for a Car Parking Fee Respite during December to mid-January. To do so in combination with the Minister’s extension of opening hours, will encourage shoppers to return, choosing times to visit the High Street that best suit them and enable retailers to manage steady flows of customers that will help maintain appropriate social distancing”.
Janet will raise the issue as a Question to Cabinet later today.
Have you signed the petition asking Cheshire East Council to offer a Car Park Fees Respite over Christmas? Please sign now - Thank you!
https://www.cheshireeastconservatives.co.uk/car-parking-petition
