We have had a second home in Whitby for approximately 18 months now.
Our flat does not have a parking space, but knowing that there was on-street parking, this did not bother us.
In fact we have not had a problem parking, even in the summer months we have found a space, albeit a little distance away.
We have the
n enjoyed pleasant days going on walks and nights visiting one of the wealth of good local restaurants without using the car again.
Even though our flat is a second home, as you will appreciate, we are still liable for 75% of our council tax (which is at a higher rate than our main home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire).
We feel we get very little in return, apart from the bins emptied, and that we are the poor relations compared to Scarborough (where my sister has a flat).
I feel lip service is paid to the public areas – Khyber Pass is neglected, with huge rapeseed plants and overgrown weeds – no proper clean-up of the streets and footpaths.
I’ve seen mess from spilt fish and chips and drinks etc which are just left.
Some friends of ours who visited Whitby this summer to see us thought the place was very dirty and I doubt will come again.
We have followed the park and ride discussions with interest.
There is no doubt some such scheme is desperately needed in Whitby but why should residents pay?
I know it is important that local businesses are supported wherever possible to keep the town alive (indeed we have employed local people to do work on our flat) and tourists are extremely important.
However, I have never known anywhere where local residents have to pay for a permit to park on their own street.
Surely, this should be covered in our council tax.
I do not think holidaymakers would object to paying a nominal parking fee or bus fare for the park and ride and would urge councillors to consider the lot of their council tax payers in Whitby, many of whom, given the nature of the old town are forced to park on the road with no alternative.
We have our name down for a space in the local council car park but have been told we’ll be waiting years.
Linda Kuras, Khyber Pass, Whitby
The full article contains 397 words and appears in Whitby Gazette Tuesday newspaper.
