Tenterden Town Council has been successful in its bid to free up more car parking spaces, as the town’s shops, restaurants and pubs re-open following the relaxation of coronavirus measures.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) have agreed to release the 140 parking bays at the Leisure Centre for all-day free parking, and almost 40 additional bays in the Station Road coach park with three hours free parking from Monday, 13 July to Monday, 31 August. For the Station Road coach park, drivers can either order a free session via the Ringo app or obtain a coach ticket from machine to display in their vehicle.
This is the result of discussions between Tenterden Town Council and ABC, with Cllr Callum Knowles, who sits on both councils, heading the negotiations.
Said Cllr Knowles: “Tenterden asked, and Ashford listened. I’m particularly pleased because the new parking spaces will be really valuable in supporting those who work in Tenterden as well as visitors and shoppers.
“When I raised the issue with ABC, leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson and chief executive Tracey Kerly appreciated the extent of Tenterden’s parking problems, and were very positive in their response”.
Access to the Leisure Centre car park will temporarily be via Smallhythe Road and the Taylor Wimpey estate until repairs to Recreation Ground are completed.