Council facing refunds backlash

WEST Dorset District Council is facing a flood of compensation claims after admitting it was wrong to impose overnight parking charges in The Square at Beaminster.

In a humiliating climbdown officials conceded yesterday that they had no right to change the operating terms at the park, which is on land owned by the town council.

Now drivers who paid and displayed after 5pm are being encouraged to claim their money back. In a statement yesterday Beaminster council expressed its "delight" at winning its battle with the district over the all night fees, imposed from April 1.

Chairman Janet Page said: "The town council owns the Square and the car park is operated by West Dorset by way of a licence.

"The licence limits the operation of the car park from 8am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays inclusive and our town clerk pointed this out to West Dorset at the beginning of May.

"The district council has now owned up to the fact that it was in breach of the licence terms in trying to charge for parking after 5pm and we understand that arrangements are being made for appropriate signs to be put up advising motorists of the 'new' charging arrangements."

Coun Page added: "While we regret that West Dorset continue to pursue a policy of charging overnight and at weekends in the Yarn Barton car park, local residents can at least be assured that they will no longer be charged at such times in the Square.

"One wonders how those who have already paid for overnight parking in the Square will be able to claim back their fees.

"I would suggest they contact West Dorset's Technical Services Manager Steve Woollard who will no doubt be able to advise."

Yesterday Mr Woollard said: "Since we became aware of conditions of the licence we have stopped charging for overnight parking at The Square car park.

"Anyone wishing to apply for a refund should contact the district council's car parking services team on 01305 252240."