The council’s plans to introduce parking charges at a park in Bromley have been halted due to opposition from a local athletics club. The Blackheath & Bromley Harriers Athletics Club raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the charges on its future. However, it was discovered that a clause in the club’s lease agreement with Bromley Council prohibits the imposition of fees for parking in the car park at Norman Park.
The Conservative Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways & Road Safety, acknowledged the existence of the lease shortly before a committee meeting and decided not to proceed with the proposed charges after reviewing its terms. The club, founded in 1869, has a rich history of producing nationally recognized athletes, including Dina Asher-Smith, an Olympic medalist. The track in the park has been in use since 1981, and the club recently moved into a new clubhouse and sports center.
Tim Soutar, a trustee of the athletics club, expressed relief that the proposed charges were dropped and emphasized the importance of free parking for the sustainability of the club’s operations. Chris Hilditch, a trustee of the track’s management company, highlighted the diverse range of activities and services offered at the park’s community center and expressed concerns about the financial burden the charges would have placed on users.
The decision to cancel the parking charges follows a petition signed by over 5,700 residents who were worried about the impact on traffic and parking in the area. Local residents and organizations, such as Bromley Mencap, a charity supporting disabled residents, welcomed the council’s decision, as they believed the charges would have created barriers to accessing the outdoor space and facilities at Norman Park.
Overall, the resolution to scrap the parking charges at Norman Park has been met with relief and appreciation from various stakeholders, ensuring that the park remains accessible to all without additional financial burdens. The community can continue to enjoy the park’s amenities and activities without having to worry about parking fees.
