Ampthill Town Council in conjunction with Central Beds Council are carrying out a 'feasibility' study with a view to applying car parking charges within Ampthill park itself and the surrounding laybys. The implementation of these is due to start Easter 2021.

There are various reasons why this is considered to be a bad idea. Namely:-

1. many people who frequent the park, to walk dogs, to exercise, to enjoy the hub cafe, to take their children to the play area, etc., do not live within walking distance of the park so have to drive. The imposition of fees to park will impact seriously on their ability to enjoy the facilities on offer at the park although most will be CBC council tax payers already and these fees represent another 'tax'.

2. if parking fees are applied then inevitably park users will seek to park elsewhere causing additional parking problems within adjacent roads and the Waitrose car park. The evidence of weekend parking around the park already shows that parking is at a premium.

3. for those that cannot afford to park or cannot find free parking they will cease to be able to enjoy the park facilities. This will result in a lost amenity to many together with much reduced footfall to the hub cafe