Councillors in Greenwich are being asked to take time to consider the full impact on local small businesses of current plans to sell off Council car-parks.
The Council’s Labour leadership has put the car parks in Old Dover Road, Charlton Village and Abery Street, Plumstead, on its list of assets for disposal. The decision has caused concern amongst local residents and businesses, who fear it will endanger local shops.
The Opposition Conservative Group on Greenwich Council is now calling for a full Economic Impact Assessment and consultation with businesses to be carried out before the sites are sold off. They have submitted a motion to next week’s Council meeting which will be put to a vote and, if passed, would require these to take place.
Leader of the Opposition on Greenwich Council, Councillor Matt Hartley, said: “Local shopping parades need our support, and the decision by the Council to start selling off car parks risks making it much harder for these valuable local businesses to survive.
“Carrying out a full assessment of the likely impact, and actually speaking to those who will be worst affected, is the least we should expect the Council to do. I hope Councillors will do the right thing next week and support proper consultation before these assets are sold off.”
One of those set to be affected is Gino Gashi, who runs Caffe Moca on Old Dover Road at Blackheath Standard. He has said: "The car park is always packed up and this space is full normally - it's a lot of cars, a lot of people use the car park and they're all worried about the parking... everyone is kind of worried. We are worried as well as the businesses - normally when it's busy, people come to park here so if not, they won't come to shop. So hopefully the Council don't sell it and we have a space here for everyone to park."
An interview with Gino can be seen on this video. Concerns have also been expressed about the impact on older residents, many of whom rely on being able to park near local shops and amenities.
The Conservative Group's proposal can be read here.