by Alan Smith

ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk

A move to close a town centre car park has sparked ferocious opposition.

Since it was suggested the Brunswick Street car park might close, almost 1,000 people have signed a petition against the move, with opposition uniting Maidstone’s businessmen, church leaders and rebellious councillors.

Cabinet member Cllr Marion Ring (Con) claims the 66-place car park is under-used and announced her intention to sell it last month. It nets the council £47,500 in pay and display fees.

But nearby business claim the car park for their customers and staff and a petition created by Pauline Barcroft, of Brunswick Street, has already attracted 936 signatures.

She said: "Residents rely on the car park for overspill parking in the evening when it’s impossible to find a parking slot on the street.

"What angers us is that we’ve received no consultation letter about this from the council - we knew nothing until we read it in the Kent Messenger."

Lynne Harris of Maidstone Dance Studios said: "We have more than 500 pupils and their parents find the car park essential when they drop off their children."

Neil Pattison and Keith Williamson from the Jubilee Church said they were concerned for their growing congregation.

Mr Williamson said: "The council encouraged us to establish in the heart of the town four years ago. Now they seem to want to drive us out."

Mr Pattison added: "We probably have 100 people attending the church two or three nights a week, and 300 on Sundays, and we are still expanding. Many rely on the car park."

Dave Till, the landlord of The Pilot in Upper Stone Street, said his main worry was more flats being built nearby which would make the parking situation worse.

Anyone wishing to sign the petition will find a copy in The Pilot pub.