A scheme to allow car washes to operate in public car parks has left some people angry.

Not happy - Peter Sale, of Braintree, looks on as staff from Car Valet UK work in Braintree's George Yard car park. Mr Sale complains that car parking spaces are being taken up by the new service. (40115-1)

Braintree Council has leased about 20 parking spaces in Braintree's George Yard car park to Car Valet UK to wash and valet cars.

It is hoped the project will cut crime in the car park and provide a valuable service.

But not all taxpayers are happy with the agreement, which started last Monday.

Peter Sale, of Bradford Street, Braintree, complained the scheme was inconvenient.

And he argued it was wrong for the council to change the use of the car park without taking a vote in a council meeting that the public could attend.

He said: "They've reserved 20 car parking spaces for it and now those spaces aren't available for car park users.

"I spoke to the car parks manager at Braintree Council and he said it brings more revenue in. But it's a change of use as far as I'm concerned and I don't think they're entitled to deprive us of car parking spaces paid for out of taxes.

"For them to then start hiving them off is not fair for local businesses who rely on them for their customers to park in."

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Monday, December 20, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette