THE cost of an hour’s parking at a car park in Ulverston has more than doubled – despite the council lowering the original proposed new price after a furious backlash.

On April 1, Westmorland and Furness Council raised fares for Buxton Place car park from £0.60 to £2.70 for an up to one-hour stay – and from £1.10 to £3 for a stay of up to two hours.

But following ‘community feedback’ the council has now lowered the fares to £1.90 and £2.70 respectively.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “We recently introduced a new half-hour tariff at Buxton Place Car Park to offer more flexible parking options. However, this adjustment resulted in an unintended discrepancy across various tariff bands, with the most significant impact on the 1-hour tariff.

“Following community feedback and a review of our tariff structure at Buxton Place, we recognised that the increase did not align with our goal of fair pricing adjustments.

“We have now revised the 1-hour parking rate to £1.90 and the 2-hour rate to £2.70 and would like to thank the community for raising their concerns – this type of feedback is crucial as it helps us continually improve our services to better serve the community.”

Speaking before the reduction was announced, Ulverston mayor Michelle Scrogham said she was ‘incredibly disappointed’ in the price hike.

Ms Scrogham added: “Buxton Place car park had been underused until the reduced fees were brought in during 2020 so it’s sad to see it going backwards.

"Many locals have already commented with shock at the prices and said they will no longer be coming into the town centre, social media has been filled with similar comments this week.

“I realise that Westmorland and Furness Council have to balance their budget, but it’s high-handed to impose these rises without notice or discussion with Ulverston Town Council, who, along with Ulverston BID have worked collaboratively with them in the past to subsidise cheaper parking.

“This will have a direct impact on our high street and local businesses who are suffering soaring costs due to the cost of living crisis. I would urge Westmorland and Furness Council to look at this again and find ways to avoid further damage.”

MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell said he was ‘deeply disappointed’ with the price hikes.

In a letter to the chief executive of Westmorland and Furness Council sent before the new fares were revealed, Mr Fell stated: “Ulverston is a thriving market town – in no small part because it is easy and convenient to visit, park and work in the town centre.

“I am deeply concerned that this parking rise will detrimentally affect local businesses and residents alike.”

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council added: “These price adjustments are primarily driven by inflationary pressures and the rising costs associated with maintaining our car parks.

“We are also acutely aware of the parking challenges faced by local residents, particularly those living near popular areas in the town centre. We will continuously explore ways to balance the parking needs of residents with the parking demands placed by visitors to Ulverston.”