Blaenau Gwent Council has revoked plans, following public feedback, to introduce new car parking arrangements under a control of use order for the car park adjacent to the General Offices in Ebbw Vale due to take effect from September 2021. Under the proposals use of this car park was to be restricted to people holding a valid permit and general use of the car park would cease.
The views of residents through public engagement and consultation are very important to the Council as they inform our plans, priorities and decisions. We apologise and acknowledge that in this case the consultation arrangements with the public have fallen short of our normal standards and your expectations. This has created unnecessary public concern and confusion amongst users of this popular car park which many people use for business and leisure travel purposes.
The General Office site is currently being used by the Health Board to deliver the vital Covid-19 vaccination programme. We are pleased that the current parking arrangements with our partners in Health can continue as we support the autumn vaccination programme.
Councillor Dai Davies, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development and Councillor Joanna Wilkins, Executive Member Environment jointly commented:
‘We know the importance of easy access to car parking facilities near the vital transport hubs located in Ebbw Vale Town and Ebbw Vale Parkway. We are committed to reviewing parking provision in the area and listening to residents and our communities so we use your views to inform the council’s approach to longer term and accessible car parking provision. As a result, we have asked Officers responsible for infrastructure to identify more suitable alternative proposals for the area which fully consider the views of all stakeholders.
We must ensure that parking provision balances the needs of residents and local businesses including maintaining an adequate supply of spaces. The overall local transport plans also need to be considered including our active travel strategy and decarbonisation agenda to reduce the impact of car use on the environment in the longer term.’