A public consultation is being launched today, 9 December on proposed changes to Worden Park car parking to allow people to park for longer.
The consultation will close in three weeks’ time, but comments will be accepted until 2 January.
The consultation covers all three car parks in the park and would see the overflow car park opening year-round as a long stay car park. The main car park would also change to long stay giving the ability for people to park for a longer period. There are no changes proposed to Worden Hall car park and all parking charges and restrictions will continue not to apply at the weekend, bank holidays, and school holidays.
Gayle Wootton, Director of Property and Planning at South Ribble Borough Council said, “We want to give more people the chance to visit our award-winning park and provide an option to stay longer than 2 hours to enjoy all the things it has to offer, whilst also balancing the unique circumstances of the local area.
“Residents tell us time and time again that they want us to open up the overflow car park and these proposals would allow us to improve the surface, meaning residents could use it all year round.”
Worden Park main car park
Current restriction: Short stay - Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm. 2 hours, no return within 3 hours. No restriction at weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays.
Proposed restriction: People can park for 2 hours for free but would not be able to return to the car park within 3 hours. Alternatively, they can choose to pay £2 for 3 hours, or £5 for 5 hours, or £8 for the full day. Restrictions would apply Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm. There would be no parking restriction at weekends, bank holidays or during school holidays.
Worden Park overflow car park
Current restriction: No time restriction. Only open at weekends and school holidays.
Proposed restriction: People will be able to park for 2 hours for free but would not be able to return within 3 hours. Alternatively, they can choose to pay £2 for 3 hours, or £5 for 5 hours or £8 for the full day. Restrictions would apply Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm. There would be no parking restrictions at weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays.
Student permits for the overflow car park to be introduced for a £350 annual fee but limited to Monday to Friday during term time only
Worden Hall car park
The consultation does not propose a change to this car park. Currently, throughout the week, it is only those people with a permit or with a Blue Badge can park there, between 9am to 5pm. There is also a loading bay and a drop off bay for tenants of the hall.
Residents and businesses can have their say during the public consultation by writing stating the grounds for objection or support to Legal Services at the following address: Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, PR25 1DH or via email to carparks@southribble.gov.uk
Signs on site will show the three-week deadline but the council will accept responses until 2 January.