At the public meeting, a vote had been taken to request that the decision about the introduction of car parking charges should not be taken until the concerns of the public had been properly considered.

REPRESENTATIVES of the East Cambs Conservative group and Ely Traders’ Association (ETA) met informally on Saturday evening and had a wide

ranging discussion about the future of car parking in Ely. Top of the agenda were the concerns raised at the public meeting organised by ETA

and held at the district council office on September 15.

At Saturday’s smaller meeting, ETA representatives talked about the need for the council to work with the community and thanked councillors for meeting with them. Councillors voiced their understanding at the very real concerns of the public, particularly in relation to the fears of the cost of car parking to individuals and the knock-on effect on the vitality of Ely.

At the public meeting, a vote had been taken to request that the decision about the introduction of car parking charges should not be taken until the concerns of the public had been properly considered. Following this, ETA were pleased on Saturday, by the councillors’ confirmation of leader Peter Moakes’ assurance that the decision-making process was being slowed down to ensure all issues and points of view are taken into consideration.

Various ideas were tabled by the councillors at the meeting and the representatives from ETA will be discussing these in detail with their

colleagues over the next few days, prior to a follow up meeting due to take place soon.

Both parties expressed a desire to continue talking and working together.

CLLR BILL HUNT

Spokesman for East Cambs Conservative Group.