Church 'delighted' council reinstates free Sunday parking in Enfield Town (From Enfield Independent)

Enfield Baptist Church senior minister 'delighted' council reinstates free Sunday parking in Enfield Town

10:50am Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A senior church minister says she is “delighted” free Sunday parking will return to Enfield Town.

Reverend Amanda James, senior minister of Enfield Baptist Church in Cecil Road, called for Enfield Borough Council to scrap the charges introduced in January by signing a petition with the congregation.

She said the fees - which are the same as weekly charges with a £1 rate for less than two hours parking, made it difficult for worshippers as people opted to park in multi-storey car parks and walk longer distances.

She said: “It is amazing. I will admit that I didn’t think for one minute that they would change their minds – oh ye of little faith, but I am delighted.

“In life, if people want to do something, they will do it.”

The controversial charges were introduced in January, with more than 7,500 people signing a petition calling for the scheme to be scrapped.

From mid November, parking will be free for up to three hours, and cost £2 if people stay for up to four hours, £5 for up to six hours and £6 for more than six hours.

The senior minister was concerned the charges may just be dropped over the Christmas period, although the council said this will not be the case.

Although traders claim the parking charges reduced Sunday business in Enfield Town, the reverend said it did not affect the numbers of worshippers who visited the church.

Cabinet member for environment, Councillor Chris Bond, announced the U-turn on Tuesday following a review.

He said the council hopes getting rid of the fees will provide a "boost" to Enfield Town's retailers and shoppers in a "difficult trading environment."