I CAN clarify why Blackburn with Darwen Council has had to introduce car park charges at its Ivy Street Community Centre facilities, near Blackburn Infirmary, following problems with over-parking and security issues.

The Council held detailed consultations in the area over a 12-month period, including meetings with hospital managers, before introducing car-parking charges at the centre.

Officers met the management team at the Infirmary and discussed the security and parking problems caused by inconsiderate car owners. Residents and community centre users were also asked for their views for a year before the new pay-to-park system was introduced.

The Council built the car park for the users of the community centre and residents who were unable to park locally. However, the car park was constantly full with the vehicles of staff from the hospital and others.

There was often vandalism and theft from vehicles in the car park and the Council had to do something to stop the problem. We will provide a security service that will be funded through the charges.

The car park charges are only in operation until 4.30pm, when the car park is again free and users of the community centre and residents can park with ease.

May I also point out that however much we sympathise with the staff at the infirmary and other local businesses, it is not the council's responsibility to provide a free car park for them.

COUN DAVE HOLLINGS, chair of community services sub-committee, Blackburn with Darwen Council.

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