We are united in trying to sort the parking out in Battle

From: Paul Redstone, Cripps Corner, Robertsbridge

No-one denies that local Tories and Lib Dems are united in wanting to reduce traffic congestion, improve parking and other conditions for Battle’s shoppers, whether on foot or in cars (Kevin Dixon, October 12).

As one of the prospective Conservative candidates for Battle, I am determined to help Battle High Street to prosper, in the face of serious challenges from online shopping and out-of-town shopping centres. This will help local residents as well as shops. The approach which I, Louise Salter and Daniel Coughlan are proposing does include addressing traffic congestion through bad parking in the High Street. We also promise to review all parking provision and costs.

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Traffic wardens will help but will need to be paid for – probably by charging for parking which will discourage residents from shopping locally. Rother is already moving towards Civil Parking Enforcement which will help, but the details of how this will work still need to be established, then reviewed annually.

We will consult with local people but options include more free parking times and annual parking permits for residents. Sadly the revenue from parking is important to Rother’s budget but we are confident that we can get some significant improvements.

Huw Merriman, speaking in Parliament, has also highlighted the dangers of pavement parking, notably for residents with buggies, wheelchairs and guide dogs, particularly important given the narrow pavements in Battle. With his full support, our Battle team has also been working hard on other measures to help our area, including re-establishing a cash machine in the High Street after the loss of the one just closed.

As Conservatives representing Battle, I and my fellow candidates would be able to forge a fresh and more constructive relationship within Rother District Council to ensure that Battle receives a proper proportion of council resources.