VIDEO: Monton residents campaign against pay-and-display

Salford City Council has recently announced 30 minutes free parking at all of its pay-and-display car parks, but many say this is not enough.

The community are requesting at least an hour of free parking, in the hope that browsers will return to the high street and residents’ visitors can stay longer without charge.

Maxine Coyle, secretary of the Monton Village Community Association, said: “We have evidence between 18 and 20 businesses to show a loss of income.

“The footfall’s down. We are worried about places like the bank and post office. If they get to a point where they have to close down, we are going to be left with very little along our once thriving high street.”

Valerie Ashall, manageress of Lady V Boutique said: “Let’s sit around the table and see if we can work out a fair deal for everyone, that perhaps brings a small income to the council but not at the price of losing businesses in Monton.”

Eccles councillors have lobbied for a full review on the charges.

Councillor Lisa Stone said the city mayor has had a briefing with officers in relation to the parking charges and they are awaiting further action from him.

One Salford resident, Jenny Thomas, has accused the council of ‘making short-sighted decisions’ and launched a Facebook campaign for completely free parking to return to Monton Village that is gaining huge support from the local community.

By Zarrion Walker