Sir Gavin Williamson is urging residents to back his petition calling for two hours of free parking each day in Stone town centre.
The MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge wants Stafford Borough Council to provide the offer at the Crown Street and Christchurch Way car parks, which are both owned and managed by the council.
Sir Gavin has said copies of the petition will be delivered to residents over the coming weeks. He has also said people will be able to sign the petition in a number of shops and cafés on Stone High Street.
The petition asks Stafford Borough Council to offer two hours of free parking at the two car parks “in order to support Stone High Street”.
In a message to residents, Sir Gavin said high streets across Staffordshire and the country were facing challenges, with local businesses continuing to face increasing overheads.
Petition details – https://www.gavinwilliamson.org/support-gavins-stone-free-parking-petition
He said
“I am particularly concerned about the future of local High Street Businesses, given that they continue to face increasing overheads, including on rent, National Insurance contributions, and potential massive increases to their business rates.”
Sir Gavin said he had campaigned on wider high street issues, including by hosting a recent parliamentary debate on business rates, but believed Stone High Street also needed direct support.
He said
“I urge you all to sign my petition for 2 hours of free parking per day to support Stone High Street.”
He added
“Stafford Borough Council owns and manages the Crown Street and Christchurch Way carparks and could give our town a real boost.”
Stafford Borough Council currently charges for parking at Crown Street and Christchurch Way. Its published charges show parking for up to two hours costs £1.40.
The petition is the latest stage in Sir Gavin’s campaign on parking in Stone.
In answers recently given to A Little Bit of Stone readers, as part of a Q&A marking two years since the 2024 general election, Sir Gavin said supporting Stone High Street and local businesses would remain a major focus.
He said
“Supporting Stone High Street and local businesses will remain a major focus.
That means pushing for practical measures like better parking, tackling retail crime, bringing empty premises back into use, and continuing to champion Stone as a place to invest and visit.”
In the same Q&A, he said Stone High Street needed to be easier and more attractive for people to visit, shop and spend time.
He said
“That means looking seriously at parking, improving access, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, and ensuring enforcement is sensible and supports the town rather than deterring visitors.”
Sir Gavin’s petition says many shop owners he has spoken to on Stone High Street believe two hours of free parking would help increase footfall and support local livelihoods.
