Additional free car parking has been provided in Castle Cary, as a result of a partnership between Castle Cary Town Council & South Somerset District Council.
The £65k extension is jointly funded by the two Councils and provides a much needed additional 30 spaces at Millbrook Gardens.
The preservation and enhancement of free car parking has been a long standing priority for local people. The Town Council already provides free (at point of use) car parking in the town through a reimbursement scheme with the District Council to which many local businesses voluntarily contribute.
Town Councillor, Liz Stokes said, “The Town Council prioritised the car park extension in direct response to concerns raised by local people. We particularly appreciate the support of participating local businesses whose contributions help keep the town’s car parks free at point of use; this benefits local people, visitors as well as the businesses themselves.”
The car park extension works, which were completed ahead of schedule by D N Ruddle Civil Engineering Ltd, were specifically programmed whilst the A371 bridge closure was on so that the car park would be available for the busy pre-Christmas trading period.
Tim Carroll SSDC Strategic Portfolio Holder for Car Parks said, “This successful partnership initiative between South Somerset DC and Castle Cary Town Council has meant that we have been able to bring forward this long-awaited and much needed scheme for the town in spite of the harsh economic climate.”
Nick Weeks, Town Councillor & Chairman of the District Council’s Area East Committee commented, “It is so important to secure this land for car parking as it is the only land which we could identify to expand car parking provision in the town. This will be advantageous to Castle Cary for many years to come and I congratulate all the parties involved in the negotiations to make this happen.”
The scheme, which is funded through a funding package comprising the Town Council’s precept and District Council funding from Area East Committee and Market Town Investment Group will be a real benefit to the town.