Parking charges upped to fund revamp

Charges have been increased at Bridport FC’s car park and the Plottingham car park. The town council said it has hiked prices for the first time since 2015 “to help pay for improvements”.

An authority spokesperson said: “The town council currently operates just two of Bridport’s car parks, with the remainder under Dorset Council or privately owned.

“The daily charge has stayed at £2 for eight years, the lowest available in the town, during which time the temporary surface at the football clubhas become a thorn in the side of motorists due to its deteriorating condition.

“Town councillors have now decided to press ahead with a refurbishment at the

(football club) car park that provides a permanent surface, new payment machines, and a more attractive space for those arriving to visit Bridport.” Council leader Dave Rickard said: “No time is an ideal one to increase parking charges, but we really do need to lift the condition and appearance of the football club car park, as for many it’s the first place people see when visiting.

“The improvements are also needed for the football club, which receives a proportion of the income and relies on the facility on match days. We’re also encouraging people to ‘Park and Stride’ by taking advantage of the easy walking route from the club to the town centre, the market, St Michael’s

Trading Estate, the leisure centre and other town facilities.

“It’s an important investment in the town and we think it’s the right thing to do to ask motorists to pay a little more – and despite the percentage increase it remains a modest amount in cash terms – rather than asking all taxpayers in Bridport to pick up the entire bill.”