CAR parking proposals for the centre of Wiveliscombe which have stirred local controversy are to be revisited at a special meeting of the town council on Wednesday evening (January 28).

The ‘simple, low-cost approach’ plan has been backed by the town’s Somerset Cllr Dave Mansell with support claimed to have been given by the town council.

However, social media comments showed a divided community reaction.

Cllr Mansell said: “The changes would make it clear where parking can be allowed for shopping, while also making it possible to deter parking where it causes most problems.

“These proposals should be affordable and provide a balanced way forward, which is in line with the town centre vision prepared during 2021-22 with extensive local consultation.

“There has been consultation with businesses around The Square and approval from the town council.

“There are further steps before the plans are finalised, including consultation on a Traffic Regulation Order.”

Cllr Mansell said it was likely the parking restriction changes could be introduced by about the middle of the year.

He said the aim of the plan was to:

• Keep dropped kerbs clear to allow better access for all and safer crossing

• Allow deliveries to shops, including the Co-op

• Provide 30 minutes’ parking for shopping

• Make it easier for traffic wardens to issue penalty notices for bad parking

But former town councillor Fodo Higginson has challenged the level of support for the plans and attended the town council’s January meeting to speak out on the issue.

Ms Higginson, who described the meeting as an ‘utter shambles’, said her request for the council to look at the issue again was refused, but some discussion did take place.

She said: “A few councillors spoke and there seemed to be no clear agreement on what the proposal was.

“Clearly, many councillors have no idea what they voted for or what happens next.

“Somerset staff will now waste their time putting this to public consultation when they are strapped for cash.”

Ms Higginson said questions needed answering as to who were the three town councillors who were said to have worked with Cllr Mansell on drawing up the proposals, and why one councillor claimed the authority had not supported the plans despite the meeting minutes stating it had.

She said it was claimed that everybody supported the town centre vision in 2022 when they did not, while in any case the two schemes bore no resemblance to each other.

Ms Higginson said: “Clearly, raising the issue of Wiveliscombe Town Council’s support for Dave Mansell’s proposal to allow parking in The Square has woken the council up a bit.

“They are holding an extra-ordinary meeting.

“If you want this council to work properly, then please come to meetings and hold them to account.

“They are spending your money.”

Wednesday’s meeting will be held in Wiveliscombe Community Centre at 7 pm and has revisiting The Square parking restrictions and a discussion on an email received about the issue as the only substantive agenda items.

The meeting has been publicised by local radio station 10Radio, a spokesperson for which said: “All are welcome and there is an opportunity to give your opinion before the meeting.”