2:00pm Saturday 19th December 2009
A RETAIL leader has joined councillors in blasting the way free parking days have been allocated in Marlow.
Two Wednesdays were chosen for drivers to park for free in Wycombe District Council car parks this month.
These were December 9 and 16.
The dates are decided by Marlow Town Council.
Adam Marlow, retail spokesman for Marlow Chamber of Trade, said it seemed as if the free days had been "buried" and not many people were aware of it.
"It just seems a very odd choice. Why isn't it on Saturday? It should be on the best day because more people will benefit from it. That's the day you would choose if you wanted people to know about it.
"Most of the retailers don't know about it so the customers don't know about it..
Councillors at Great Marlow Parish Council, speaking at its meeting on Thursday, said they agreed with their counterparts at Marlow Bottom Parish Council who have asked to be consulted about the days in future.
Chairman Janet Pritchard said: "It's totally illogical because if you live in Marlow town they all walk to the shops, it's only the villages like Marlow Bottom, Medmenham and here that need the parking."
Cllr Michelle Barstow said she was annoyed that she had paid, not realising it was free, and felt Great Marlow should be consulted because 'it's the areas around the town that benefit from it'.
Wycombe District Council spokesman Catherine Spalton said it is up to Marlow Town Council whether the surrounding parish councils are asked for their input.
Marlow Town Council were unavailable for comment.
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