Chamber in car parking fees row with council

A WHITLEY Bay business organisation is "reviewing" its partnership with North Tyneside Council in the aftermath of a local parking controversy.

- By AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE Local democracy reporter

The Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade has stated it is reconsidering its links to the council after new fees were introduced to a local car park. North Tyneside Council announced earlier this week, following a contentious public consultation, that parking charges will be enforced in the town's Park Road car park.

The original proposals also included fees at the Playhouse car park and a new £30 annual charge for an existing resident parking permit scheme. In the midst of public outcry, and the Chamber's own 3,000-strong petition, these proposals were later dropped.