The Labour Party in Shepway has issued an open letter to Councillor Robert Bliss, asking him to axe the Council’s £75,000 consultation procedure and instead respond to the result of the forthcoming referenda on December 8th.

Former Mayor of Folkestone, John Stockham, has asked: “Why are the Council determined to waste £75,000 on a consultation with the public when we already have a petition with over 1,500 signatures against the proposal?"

He continues: "Residents, businesses and the Labour Party are united in our opposition to the damaging strategy the Council has proposed. When the Council receive their results from the consultation, and the results of the referenda, they’ll see they’ve wasted £75,000 of our money that could have been spent on more important issues; like road safety or encouraging people to visit Folkestone.”

The referenda on Free Parking will be held on December 8th in Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Lydd.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©