A car park operated by the Isle of Wight Council in the heart of Newport is to close in 3 weeks time, it has been announced.
The Isle of Wight Council currently operates Little London car park on Sea Street and leases the land from W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd, however, the lease is due to end on 8th July 2016 and the Isle of Wight Council has decided not to renew as part of the setting of the 2016- 17 Budget.
In order to reach this decision, council officers have reviewed the annual cost of the lease; utilisation of the car park, annual income received and the availability of spaces in other council operated long stay car parks in Newport. It was agreed at Full Council on 24th February that the council would not renew the lease when it expires.
The car park will close to the public at 20:00 on Thursday 7th July and all vehicles will be required to be moved by this time.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Executive member for public health, public protection and PFI said:
“The proposal to not renew the lease was originally agreed at Full Council in February, as part of the difficult decisions undertaken as part of the budget setting process.
“The council is facing increasing challenges in both providing and maintaining a whole host of facilities which it can no longer afford to absorb. This is in light of the difficult budget position which requires savings of £28 million over the next three years. Don’t forget if you would like to have a say in future parking strategy on the Island, our Isle of Wight Council Parking Strategy 2016-21 Consultation is still open and we are keen to hear from residents and businesses alike before it closes on 5 July.”
Managing director of W Hurst & Son (IW) Ltd, Dave Bowley said:
“We are obviously disappointed that the Council is not in a position to renew the lease on the Sea Street car park.
“However we are working with a private car park provider in the hope that it can reopen as soon as possible with the least inconvenience to users.”
Isle of Wight Council All Island Permit holders will be able to use the following long stay car parks:
• Coppins Bridge – 175 spaces
• Newport Harbour (south) – 78 spaces
• Newport Harbour (north) – 30 spaces
• Seaclose Park – 154 spaces
• Medina Avenue – 38 spaces
Please note: that Newport Harbour south is closed to cars on Tuesdays up to 3pm as it is used by coaches in relation to the weekly market
Featured photo: Google
