UPDATE: The Flying Dutchman pub in Queenborough has taken the shocking step of banning nearly a dozen councillors who supported the controversial plan to introduce parking charges at previously free car parks. This urgent decision follows Swale Council’s announcement that parking fees will be implemented at locations including Park Road and Queenborough Library car parks, aiming to raise £36,000 annually.
The pub, which has been a community staple, revealed that these charges could severely impact its business. Pub manager Matthew Nichols stated, “We have battled through Covid and then through the cost-of-living crisis but these just might be what breaks us.” He emphasized that the introduction of fees could deter customers from parking near the establishment, potentially crippling its revenue.
Under the proposed measures, additional fees will also be applied at Little Oyster in Minster, Front Brents in Faversham, Grafton Road in Sittingbourne, and Halfway Road in Halfway. The council’s plans come after a substantial £1.7 million budget gap, which was filled using reserves, highlighting the financial strain on local authorities.
The Flying Dutchman took to social media to announce the ban on the following councillors: Cllr Angela Harrison (Lab, Sheerness), Cllr Lloyd Bowen (Con, Teynham & Lynsted), Cllr Shelley Cheesman (Lab, Homewood, Sittingbourne), Cllr Charles Gibson (Lib Dem, Abbey, Faversham), Cllr James Hunt (Con, The Meads), Cllr Carole Jackson (Lab, St Anne’s, Faversham), Cllr Charlie Miller (Lab, Chalkwell, Sittingbourne), Cllr Hannah Perkin (Lib Dem, Abbey, Faversham), and Cllr Terry Thompson (Green, East Downs). Interestingly, Cllr Ashley Shiel (Lab) was also banned, despite not voting on the matter, as the pub accused him of contributing to the “distress and worry” of staff and patrons.
In response to the bans, Cllr Hunt remarked that while he had never visited the pub, it was a “real shame.” He defended the council’s decision, stating, “We made the right decision as councillors to keep the council on the right financial footing.” Similarly, Cllr Gibson expressed regret over the pub’s decision but joked that being barred might enhance his reputation.
However, local business owner Simon Fowle, who runs Bosuns tea room, echoed the pub’s concerns, revealing that he collected over 200 signatures against the parking fee proposal within days. He warned, “Businesses are struggling already and this is just another nail in our coffin. It’s wrong.”
The implications of these parking charges extend beyond just the pub, affecting the overall community. Local residents and business owners are voicing their frustration, emphasizing the need for free parking to maintain customer flow. The council’s decision is expected to be subject to public consultation, and another vote will be held by the policy and resources committee before any fees are officially implemented.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes will be on the council’s next steps and how they respond to the growing backlash from local businesses and residents. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated as the community rallies against the proposed parking fees, raising awareness about their potential impact on local livelihoods.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the public consultation process begins.
