The boss of a much-loved community centre that provides free mental health and wellbeing support, saving the NHS a small fortune, has pleaded with council leaders to scrap new car parking charges that could force its closure. Keith Walker, chair and trustee of Consiton Community Centre (CCC) in Patchway, said the new fees, being introduced this spring at The Parade and 21 other car parks across South Gloucestershire, could have a “catastrophic impact” on its future.
The charges were agreed as part of the council’s budget last February despite opposition from nearly 70 per cent of people during public consultation. Mr Walker told South Gloucestershire Council cabinet: “Parking charges will directly harm those who rely on the centre, including elderly residents who attend social and wellbeing activities, low-income families who rely on affordable services, volunteers who give their time for free and who will now face a financial burden, and staff who work to support the community but now may suffer with extra costs.
“I urge councillors to consider the human impact of these changes which ultimately will be down to you. GPs and health professionals regularly refer people to engage with the centre to benefit from the help and support we provide free of charge.
“It is estimated that CCC saves the NHS tens of thousands of pounds per year. I cannot stress enough the possible impact on the community should the centre ever have to shut its doors.”
He told the meeting on Monday, February 3, that the risk of reduced attendance could undermine the centre’s vital role in the community. Mr Walker urged councillors to enter into talks with CCC and other interested parties to discuss the possibility of free parking permits for its users and volunteers.
Cabinet member for communities and local place Cllr Sean Rhodes (Labour, Kingswood) replied: “It’s a really challenging situation that we find ourselves in. We genuinely do not want to be introducing car parking charges anywhere across South Gloucestershire.
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“Unfortunately it’s the legacy that we’ve been left by the previous [Conservative] administration. They left a £2million revenue generation budget line and this was what they had lined up all the time.
“I feel very challenged listening to what you said that the service you provide in Patchway is hugely important. I can’t guarantee that there is any way we can meet your request but I am more than happy to come and meet you to talk it through further.
“One of the things we have said as a [Lib Dem/Labour] administration is that we will continue to engage with local community organisations. So what I can commit to is coming and meeting with you to have a talk through what mitigations might be able to be put in place.
“I can’t make any guarantees but I will come and listen.”
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