U-turn over Crawley parking charge plans

A petition was launched after parking charges were proposed at the K2 leisure centre and The Hawth theatre

Free parking will remain at two Crawley venues after the council's plans to introduce charges were dropped.

Crawley Borough Council said it has decided not to bring in parking charges at K2 leisure centre and The Hawth theatre because the public had shown these were "not wanted".

During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, it was agreed to defer any plans for charges at the theatre and to look into parking controls at the leisure centre to improve public safety.

Michael Jones, council leader of the council, said: "People have been genuinely listened to and, although not everyone will be happy, I am confident that the input has made a real difference to the final results."

Mr Jones said the proposals "reflect a careful balance between financial sustainability, operational feasibility, and community needs", reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

An online consultation launched in May drew over 2,200 responses, with most people opposing parking charges at The Hawth and K2.

Many felt theatre tickets were already costly and extra fees would put off visitors.

At K2, concerns were raised that charges could reduce attendance and even lead to cancelled memberships, though some supported better parking controls for safety.

Parking charges will be introduced at Goffs Park lower car park, with rates ranging from £1.50 for one hour to £7 for all-day parking.

The charges will apply between 08:00 and 18:00 BST to help prevent commuters from occupying limited spaces.

Orchard Street Multi-Storey will be renamed High Street Multi-Storey, and parking will cost £3 fee for 24 hours.

Annual permits will cost £912 for residents and £600 for town centre workers.

Crawley Borough Council said it would work with the leisure centre operator on improving traffic management.