Medway Council pockets almost a quarter of a million in parking charges at the Strand

Figures uncovered by Medway Labour Group have revealed that Medway’s Conservative-run Council have pocketed more than £244,000 since introducing parking charges at the Strand Leisure Park, Gillingham.  

But figures provided to Labour Councillors by the Council’s Sport, Leisure and Tourism team indicate that the Council only spends a tiny fraction of this income (approx. £5,000 per year) to maintain the popular Park.

Cllr Adam Price, member for Gillingham North said: “The neglect and lack of investment at the Strand by the Conservative-run Council is shameful. Although we were successful in getting 800 new trees planted and 10 new litter bins installed at the Strand last year, it urgently needs more investment.”

Cllr Andy Stamp, member for Gillingham North commented: “Its scandalous that the Council is netting such huge sums in parking charges, but is failing to reinvest that income into making improvements at the Strand. It’s time that the income from parking charges was ring-fenced so that the Strand can once again become a place our community can be proud of.

Cllr Pat Cooper, member for Gillingham North added: “The Strand really is looking tired. The 5-a-side ball court has been closed for almost a year because it’s unsafe, the picnic benches have been removed because they were falling apart, and the crazy golf course desperately needs an overhaul. We will continue to work with the Strand Litter Squad and local residents to campaign for much-needed improvements.”