TWO invitation-only consultation forums are being held on Tuesday to discuss West Somerset District Council's proposed car parking strategy. One is at the Northfield Hotel, Minehead, from 4pm to 6pm, and the second in Watchet's Phoenix Centre from 7pm to 9pm. Both sessions will be chaired by district Cllr Roger Webber, whose finance portfolio includes car parking. A panel of council officers and a representative from consultants Faber Maunsell, which prepared the strategy document, will be present to offer technical advice. A separate meeting will be held in early July with representatives of Dulverton Town Council, which operates the town's three car parks for the district council. One of the main aims of the forums is to receive feedback from the local business community and traders about the proposals. They will also be asked for new ideas which could be embraced by the strategy. Attendance at the forums is by invitation only because places are limited, and letters have gone to local chambers of commerce, business groups, town councils and relevant interest groups. Cllr Webber said: "Even after the two forums have been held, there will still be plenty of time for people to let us have their comments about the car parking strategy. "The closing date for written responses is not until Friday July 15 and we will welcome constructive comments from anyone who has something say on the matter." Anyone who feels they ought to have been invited should email [email protected]">[email protected] or phone the council on 01643 703704. To view the car parking strategy visit http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk">www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk. Copies will also be in libraries, at the council's offices in Minehead and Williton and at council information points. The consultation findings will be reported to the council's cabinet, which will decide on any necessary revisions to the strategy.
