Local MP Robbie Moore has presented a public petition in Parliament opposing the introduction of parking charges at Ilkley Lido, urging the Government to call on Bradford Council to reconsider its decision.
The petition, signed by Ilkley Lido users and members of the Olicanian Cricket Club who rely on the free parking at Ilkley’s popular Denton Road car park, is the latest call on Bradford Council to rethink the conterverisal move.
It comes after Bradford Council’s announced the introduction of parking charges at the historic West Yorkshire Lido, set to begin from 1 November. Charges will be enforced at Ilkley Pool and Lido’s Denton Road car park, marking the first time parking fees will apply at the site. The charges, which apply between 8:00 and 18:00 every day, range from £1 per hour to £4 for over four hours.
Speaking in the House of Commons chamber, Mr Moore criticised Bradford Council’s approach, saying the move was “at odds with every other pool in the District” and would unfairly hit staff at the local cricket club, who have relied on the car park for years.
Bradford Council defended its decision this week, with Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, calling the move "consistent and fair"
But local community groups have this week challenged the council’s claims. Roger Tilbrook from Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group said:
"The charging regime indicates that Ilkley is being treated unfairly compared to other pools and leisure facilities across the Bradford District.”
In Parliament, MPs have the power to present petitions for a government response, providing a formal avenue for local issues to gain national attention.
The full text of the petition reads:
“The petition of residents of the constituency of Keighley and Ilkley,
Declares that for years, visitors have relied on free parking at Denton Road Car Park to make use of the Ilkley Lido and other facilities; notes concern that Bradford Council has proposed parking charges at the popular site for the first time, which will impose an undue financial burden on residents and local clubs who utilise the car park, including Olicanian Cricket Club; and further notes that Ilkley is being treated unfairly compared to other pools and leisure facilities across the Bradford District, and that there has been a lack of consultation with the community.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Bradford Council to honour its previous commitment to ensure that parking charges at Denton Road Car Park do not adversely affect Ilkley Lido users and Olicanian Cricket Club, staff, players, and members.
And the petitioners remain, etc.”
Speaking after the presentation, Robbie Moore MP said:
“Since 1935, Ilkley Lido has served as one of the crowning jewels of our town, supporting community wellbeing, sport, leisure, and tourism in Ilkley. For the Council to impose charges at the site without consultation and at odds with the rest of the District shows clear contempt for the taxpayers of Ilkley, which is why I have brought this issue to national stage. Bradford Council need to urgently rethink their parking charge rollout.”
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