Liberal Democrat Town Centre Spokesman, Cllr Stuart Bray (Hinckley Castle Ward) has welcomed the news that Hinckley town centre parking charges have been frozen for the forthcoming year by the Lib Dem controlled Borough Council. Cllr Stuart Bray, who’s ward is based around the town centre, said, “Under the previous Tory Council parking charges were increased every year. This was detrimental to town centre trade and local residents. I am pleased that during the budget talks my group was able to include a freeze on parking charges. This is on top on the scrapping of the charges to use the toilets on Station Road announced last year. “The town centre is at a crucial point. Exciting plans are coming forward for the redevelopment of the town but we cannot afford to lose any more existing shoppers to other nearby centres. “High parking charges not only affect local businesses but also residents living in the streets near the town centre who suffer people visiting the town and parking their cars in nearby streets in a bid to avoid paying the fees.”

Thank you to the local residents who have been in touch following our last Focus about parking problems in Coley Close. It has been suggested that parking restrictions - such as double-yellow lines - may help ease the problem. Your local Borough Councillors will happily pursue this with County Hall, but before we do we want as many residents as possible to have their say. We would be grateful if you could let us have your views. If the majority of people are in favour of restrictions we will press County Hall for action.

Many of you have told me you agree with me that Hinckley’s town centre is in a sorry state. There are too many empty shops and more variety is needed to add to the shops we do have. Many existing traders are suffering due to people deciding to do their shopping in other nearby centres.

Cllr Stuart Bray has raised with the Police the problems of speeding on Southfield Road. The police have promised to conduct speed checks in the area.

Liberal Democrats are concerned that Mr McMahon’s decision to retire as the dentist at the Cowper Road dental surgery could leave Burbage without a dentist. Health officials have admitted that alternative provision will be made but this could be outside Burbage. Liberal Democrat Parish Councillors Stuart Bray and Ann Hall tabled a motion at February’s Parish Council meeting urging health officials to ensure Burbage doesn’t lose this vital facility. We also want to put on record our thanks to Mr McMahon for all his years of loyal service on behalf of his 5,500 patients.

Liberal Democrat Councillors have launched a petition calling on the Post Office to re-open Clifton Way Post Office. You can download a copy of the petition below. Save Clifton Way Post Offices Petition

The County Council are looking at plans to ban parking near the bus stops on Coventry Road between Brandon Road and Granville Road. Please let us have your views!

Cllr Stuart Bray is calling for action to clear up the walkway between Browning Drive and Mill Hill Road.

Thank you to the residents and businesses who contacted us about the state of the Atkins Car park on Lower Bond Street. Your local Lib Dem Focus Team have been pressing for the the area to be cleaned up.

Many residents have welcomed the improvements to the park on Granville Road. Cllr Tom McClure says, “Improving our parks and open spaces remains a top priority for the Lib Dem Council.”

After many years of campaigning by local residents and the Liberal Democrat Focus Team, Cllr Stuart Bray is pleased to report that at long last the County Council has told us they intend to put a residents parking scheme in the Mount Road, Thornycroft Road, Hill Street and Orchard Street. We are told that work will start in the early part of this year. We have now asked for a definite start-date from County Council Officers. We have of course been promised this before and we remain sceptical until work actually begins!