Lib-Dems deny car park crisis

LIB-DEMS have hit back at criticism over Oldham’s crumbling car parks.

Labour Councillor Dave Hibbert had demanded to know why they had been allowed to deteriorate into such a state that some may close and why a portion of the millions raised in parking fees and fines hasn’t gone into maintenance.

He issued a series of questions after the Chronicle revealed that Oldham Council needs to find £250,000 to bring car parks up to scratch or some may have to shut for safety reasons.

The council has a joint venture company with NSL Ltd for managing parking, with the firm receiving around £1.3 million a year for handing out parking fines and bailiff services while the council has collected £800,000 a year.

A report by a council overview and scrutiny committee reviewing the management of parking facilities states that a backlog of unbudgeted work means £250,000 is needed to bring all the car parks up to an adequate standard, with £40,000 a year then needed to maintain them.

Committee member Councillor Diane Williamson said: “I feel that others, as usual, are trying to make mischief out of something that started over 20 years ago, when Labour were the administration.

“Under the Lib-Dem administration work was started, some time ago, to review the management of existing parking facilities in the borough, including signing up to a new fixed contract with NSL.

“It looked at how to improve car parks, because over the last 20 years any income from them had just been ploughed back into the centre to try to plug Labour’s black hole of the council’s finances.

“Our car parks are not in crisis. Only one of our car parks is causing any real concern. There is a claim and a bid has been put in to bring this up to standard. This is in Royton and as a Royton Councillor of course I am concerned about this.

“The current administration of the council has taken steps to rectify any potential problems. But once again, Labour has chosen to talk our borough down in an attempt for some short-term political advantage.”

She added that a handy man is employed to make minor repairs such as potholes.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Environment said the council collects all income from car parks and then pays NSL for services, adding: “It is therefore incorrect to talk about who gets a larger share of the money.”

He said: “A new nine-year contract has now been agreed which will ensure a cost effective and value for public money service in the future.

“Regarding maintenance of car parks, the specific budget for this has been removed as part of wider council efficiency savings. However funding of £220,000 is currently being sourced from the Capital Programme for improvements to car parks and other environmental improvements.

“In fact, last year Hobson Street, Royton Precinct, Kershaw Street and QE Hall forecourt car parks all benefited from improvement works.

“Going forward the council will be publishing a detailed car parking strategy and business plan to ensure that parking in the borough remains as convenient and as cost-effective as possible.

“This means using technology – such as enabling payment via mobile phones, for example – and better signage to ensure the best use of public money.”