LIBERAL Democrat-run Somerset Council is being pressured by local Lib Dem MP Rachel Gilmour to drop plans to introduce Sunday parking charges in car parks which are currently free.

Mrs Gilmour, who is also opposing her political colleagues’ proposal to start charging in free car parks, has raised her concerns over the issues in a series of letters to the council.

She warned in particular that many people living in Wiveliscombe, which has free car parks, did not have access to private parking.

Mrs Gilmour said residents relied on the currently free public car parks, and introducing charging could displace vehicles on to residential streets.

She said ending free Sunday parking would harm local high streets and community life, and noted how Sunday parking had traditionally supported footfall, community events, places of worship, and family visits across many towns.

Mrs Gilmour called on the council to update residents on the status of proposals for free car parks, and to set out the consultation it intended to carry out in towns such as Wiveliscombe, and provide clarity on its plans for Sunday charges.

She highlighted the example of Kilve, in West Somerset, where she warned charging for the currently free car park could put the village’s Hood Arms public house at risk.

Mrs Gilmour said the pub was unlikely to remain viable if visitors faced a strict parking time limit, and both Kilve Village Hall and a planned community shop were relying on people being able to park without extra cost, whether attending hall activities or volunteering their time.

She wanted ‘full consideration’ of the effect on Kilve Village Hall and the Hood Arms, and details of any impact assessments undertaken, including on residents without access to private parking.

Mrs Gilmour’s Tiverton and Minehead constituency takes in West Somerset and Exmoor and parts of the Blackdown Hills and Culm Valley along with several parishes bordering Wellington.

She called on the unitary council to fully consider the specific circumstances of rural and market town communities before implementing parking measures which could have ‘significant consequences for residents, local businesses, and town centres’.

Mrs Gilmour said: “In the Somerset part of my constituency, many households do not have on-street parking.

“The provision of free car parks is to compensate for this.

“They are essential for many residents who live in our communities and rely on using their cars because of the paucity of public transport.

“Removing the free parking provision would have a massive impact on my constituents.

“I urge Somerset Council to continue to consult any affected residents on any proposed changes before introducing any charges.”

The council executive was due to take a final decision on the parking charges this month but postponed the the item to a date to be confirmed.

A council spokesperson said: “We need to process feedback we have received following the climate, environment and place scrutiny committee on September 3, which will help inform the final recommendations put to executive.”

The spokesperson said the authority wanted to see a ‘fair, consistent charging structure’ across the county.