Plans for new parking permits in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Borough Council says it wants to bring in new parking permits saying funding for public services is under the "greatest financial pressure in living memory".

The authority has launched a consultation on the plans for its car parks and other parking areas which it says would bring the town in line with other councils.

They would replace the old Leisure Card immediately and the Bowls Club and Seafront Permits when they expire.

But the council's Conservative opposition has condemned the charges as "exorbitant", saying they will "restrict resident access to the town's valued natural spaces".

The council is blaming a combination of underfunding of local government and the costs of dealing with homelessness for the need to make £7.6m in savings.

It has been spending up to £5m a year on temporary accommodation, which equates to almost half of all council tax collected.

"Many other councils are closing facilities altogether" according to Colin Swansborough, the cabinet member for community spaces.

He added: "We are doing all we can in Eastbourne to avoid that."

The proposed annual permit cost in Eastbourne is £550 to £1,400, which compares with Hastings - £580 to £1,040; Horsham - £924 to £1,456; Rother - £335 to £1,264 and Worthing - £1,147 to £1,277.

The authority points out that discounted parking will stay in place for visitors to the South Downs National Park, in recognition of the health and well-being benefits of walking and cycling there.

The consultation runs until 4 April.

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