But opponents say it should never have been built

There's been criticism of Ealing Council for cutting prices at a brand new car park in Southall.

From now until the end of November drivers will be able to park for free for the first hour and at reduced rates for longer stays at Southall High Street car park  - particularly in the lead up to Eid-ul-Adha and Diwali.

The Council says the new promotion rates are in line with other parking deals put in place to encourage more people to support local shops.

Southall High Street car park is adjacent to Southall Market, opposite North Road and Southall police station, and is accessed from Uxbridge Road.

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said:

“Eid and Diwalli are some of Southall’s busiest times for shoppers and visitors, but traders have told us that the lack of parking has meant that some people have chosen to shop elsewhere.

'' We want to support local businesses and encourage more people into the area which is why we are supporting them by offering this cheap parking deal."

However opponents of the car park say it should have never been built in the first place:

Conservative Councillor, David Millican, said:

''It's important to support festivals such as Eid, Diwali and Christmas. However the new car park in Southall has never had more than a handful of cars each time I've visited. It's a complete white elephant. Even the Council Leader admitted its in the wrong place. At £31,000 per space it should never have opened.

Lib Dem Councillor, Gary Malcolm, said: '' Figures show that the car park is hardly used. So much money spent has been wasted. Given that the Council is now offering large discounts it can only mean they are admitting this. They should sell the car park and put the money back into helping vulnerable residents by reversing the cuts to the day centres which will affect the elderly and disabled residents."

For more information, go to www.ealing.gov.uk/parking.

October 9th 2013