'It will ruin the town centre': Brackley traders up in arms over plans to introduce parking fees

West Northamptonshire Council is considering introducing parking charges in Brackley, Towcester and Daventry as part of its 2026/27 draft budget, which will be approved in February.

The proposals have concerned many residents, business owners and local politicians who believe the decision could prove disastrous for trade.

In Brackley, John Taylor of Taylor Vets has become an unofficial spokesperson against the plans. He said: “I have had an absolute swell of support from the area.

“If these parking charges go ahead, it will be disastrous and will absolutely hollow out and ruin Brackley town centre.”

Currently, parking in Brackley is free; however, if the council proceeds with the proposals, charges of up to £5.50 for five hours would be introduced.

John, who runs his veterinary practice from the former Lloyds Bank building on the Market Place, says he chose the location because of the free parking in the town centre.

He said: “One of the reasons we moved to this location was because it was such a vibrant town centre, and if there had been car parking charges in the town centre, I probably wouldn’t have taken it on.

“Free parking is one of the reasons Brackley’s town centre still works. It allows people to make short, regular visits, support local shops and services, and use the town in a way that fits around everyday life. Introducing parking charges risks breaking that simple balance.

“These town centres are really delicate; it only takes one or two shops to go under, and suddenly the town centre feels empty and people stop visiting.”

MP for South Northamptonshire Sarah Bool has spoken against the proposed parking fees and has launched a petition calling on West Northamptonshire Council to maintain the free parking in Towcester and Brackley.

She attended a protest alongside John and several other Brackley traders on Friday (January 16) in the town centre to bring awareness to the petition and campaign to save the free parking.

Speaking after the demonstration, she said: “It was important to be out in Brackley today speaking with residents and local business owners about the real damage the Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council’s parking charges would do to our vibrant high street.

“What is absolutely clear is that the community is up in arms over these ill-thought-out proposals. They risk undermining local trade and hurting the people they should be supporting. I will be fighting against these proposals with residents every step of the way.”

In addition to attending the demonstration in Brackley, Sarah held public meetings in the town and Towcester to gather locals' thoughts on the parking charge proposals.

Several other business owners and figures in the town such as Danny Webster, owner of The Old Bakery and Sarah Eastman the owner of Brackley Kitchen Deli also joined the demonstration.

The protestors say they have looked at other town centres where parking charges have been introduced and have seen councils in those areas reverse their decision after they proved to negatively impact upon businesses there.

John added: “We’ve already seen what happens elsewhere. Towns such as Stockton-on-Tees, Bedford and Dudley have introduced parking charges and then had to reverse or scale them back after footfall dropped and local businesses were hit.

“Once people change their habits, they don’t always come back.”

John is urging residents to sign the petition and attend a public council meeting later this month.

He said: “This isn’t about resisting change for the sake of it. It’s about listening to how people actually use the town centre and understanding that, in a market town like Brackley, driving isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity.

“Residents and traders want decisions that support town centres and keep them accessible, not policies that push people away. That’s why it’s so important these concerns are properly heard before anything is decided.

“I urge all Brackley town centre users to sign the petition and attend the meeting on January 30 to show West Northamptonshire Council that our town values accessible, free parking and does not support the introduction of charges.”

In response West Northamptonshire Council has said it is still looking at ways to update parking services across the county but charges will only be introduced in Brackley once a new long stay car park has been opened in the town.

Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said “Introducing and updating parking charges helps us manage limited spaces, encourage fair turnover for local shops and businesses, and maintain car parks to a high standard. “These proposals are still very much in draft and will be shaped by public consultation and we are actively looking at how we might be able to shape them further based on the feedback we receive such as for example, exploring the possibility of some concessions to support short visits and local trade. The final proposals will be subject to decision by Full Council next month. “Should the current draft proposals for Brackley go ahead, parking charges will not be introduced until a new long stay car park is open, currently planned for 2027-28 financial year. Our 2026–27 draft budget proposes up to £1 million to deliver that new facility for the town centre, only after which charges would be applied to manage parking more effectively.”

To view the petition, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4kfswmr4