HBC: Arndale car parking charges statement

Flyers and posters have appeared around Accrington notifying shoppers and workers of parking charges which will apply to the Arndale from 21st March. Hyndburn Borough Council wish to make it clear that this is not a Council initiative, nor have they had any involvement with this decision as the Arndale is not in Council ownership or control.

A lease was granted in 1988 which precluded the owners charging for car parking but this lapsed in 2013. An extract from thelease says that for the first 25 years of the lease the Arndale owners can’t charge for parking up to 3 hours and should use their best endeavours not to charge for parking over 3 hours (and before introducing charging will try other methods to ensure usage of the par park for short stay parking).

After the 25 year period the lease says that the Council will release these obligations from all or part of the car park if the Arndale owners demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Council that all or part of the car park is not required as short term parking for the Arndale and/or Accrington town centre.

Council Leaders have requested a meeting with the current owners of The Arndale Centre to discuss the matter.