A newly launched petition on the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s website is gaining traction, initiated by Matt Holland, the owner of Willmore’s, in response to recently implemented parking charges at the Clifftops. The petition calls for the immediate removal of these charges, citing a significant drop in customer footfall for local businesses since their introduction.
According to the petition’s description, many local businesses have reported severe revenue losses ranging from 40% to 70%. The document highlights the essential role these businesses play in the community, stating they are vital for job creation, support for local families, and the preservation of Penarth’s unique character.
The introduction of parking fees is claimed to be deterring both new and existing visitors to the Clifftops, with potential customers opting against visiting the area due to the costs associated with parking. Holland conveyed the immediate and significant impact of the charges to the Penarth Times, noting that the financial strain has forced him to reduce staff hours in order to cope with declining revenues.
He stated, “We’re having to cut staff hours just to survive,” lamenting that fixed costs, such as rent, energy, and production, leave little room for financial flexibility. With parking fees starting at £2.50 and rising to £6 for a four-hour stay, Holland pointed out the problematic timing of the parking charges, which remain free from 7 am to 8 am—when demand is virtually nonexistent.
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Holland expressed skepticism about the council’s financial gains from the parking fees, suggesting that neither the council nor local businesses are benefiting from the current situation. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues as he joined forces with other business owners in Penarth, who are similarly concerned about the implications of the parking charges on their livelihoods.
The petition urges the local council to heed the voices of the community and reconsider these measures, calling for a reversal of what many entrepreneurs believe to be damaging and unnecessary parking fees that threaten their operations and the broader economic health of the area.
