Answer is there (From Malvern Gazette)

Answer is there

10:30am Sunday 19th February 2012 in Letters

IN response to the letter in the Malvern Gazette by Roger Sutton, Chairman of Malvern Civic Society (February 3).

The lack of sufficient car parking in the upper level of the town has been an issue for many years, but nothing materialises.

Some years ago, Great Malvern Association of Trade obtained planning permission for a car park behind Belle Vue Terrace, an extension to the already existing, upper level, behind the Unicorn Inn.

This has the advantage of being hidden from view but at precisely the right location to serve the highest part of the town centre.

Despite lobbying from traders and the general public over many years, the district council have not considered this as a priority.

Funds should be made available from several MHDC sources, for instance, circa £400,000 per annum raised from car parking charges and the Section 106 fund.

Should the proposed Travelodge development, below the Foley Arms Hotel, take place, the car park in question will become essential.

Further, the Section 106 contribution, made by the developer, should be targeted on the new car park.

Though I share the vision of Malvern having European or World Heritage status, I fear this will be seen as a mere fantasy in these financiallystraightened times.

Councillors should be encouraged to see a bigger and more imaginative picture for the future.

We must hope that the Route to the Hills Project, lead by MHDC in partnership with local organisations and individuals, will help to increase trade and tourism and not least, confidence and support for Malvern in general.

PETER SMIITH
Great Malvern