SOUTHBOURNE traders have welcomed the news that plans to develop on one of the town’s car parks could be shelved.

Last month, Bournemouth council cabinet members voted to close one of the area’s car pars – Southbourne Crossroads – and offer the site for sale.

The council also considered redeveloping part of Woodside Road car park into flats, leaving 50-60 spaces available out of 85.

They claimed the car park was “rarely, if ever, full” due to residents and visitors preferring the convenience of on-street parking.

Fiona McArthur, chair of Southbourne-on-Sea Business Association (SoSBA) set up a petition following the announcement, raising over 500 signatures.

She said: “As traders and local residents in Southbourne, we rely on the only remaining parking provision in the town in order to keep our high street and village alive.

“We do not want to lose this amenity in favour of more flats, which will only add to parking pressure for shoppers and locals.

“The council cannot possibly ascertain whether this amenity is redundant on current income and outgoings when there is no way of recording true usage in the evenings when there are no parking charges.”

She added signage for the car park was also insufficient.

Following the petition, the council has put its plans for the car park on hold.

Gary Powell, head of traffic management, said: “We have listened to the views of ward councillors and the Southbourne-on-Sea Business Association and recognise the importance of this car park to local traders.

“Therefore, we want to better understand demand for car parking in the area before we make any important decisions about the Woodside Road Car Park.”

Clive Mace, owner of The Grove Tavern and treasurer of SoSBA, spoke to the Daily Echo previously about Southbourne’s parking situation.

He said the reduction in on-street parking spaces along Southbourne Grove and Seabourne Road had “killed off” some of the town’s trade, and developing on Woodside Road car park would only exacerbate the issue.

He said it was “good news” the council was re-considering the proposals.

“It’s a great response from the council who have listened to traders and the public. Woodside Road car park is used a lot, so this is a positive outcome so far.

“The traders weren’t aware they could rent some of the spaces in the car park, and the council are keen for them to do that as it will relieve some of the pressure on the free parking in the high street.”