The UK's oldest bakery has highlighted the impact of a a parking crisis on business on Plymouth's Barbican.
Carly Laughton, Manager of family owned and run Jacka Bakery - the UK's oldest bakery located on Southside Street - spoke with Plymouth Plus this morning after witnessing Plymouth City Council litter enforcement officers parking in the loading bay directly outside her shop on Plymouth's historic Barbican.
About Jacka Bakery
Award winning Jacka Bakery holds the distinction of being Britain's oldest bakery, serving the Plymouth community from its historic Barbican location. The family-owned business has been a cornerstone of Southside Street for generations, making it not just a local institution but a piece of living British history.
Parking Removed Under Cover of Darkness
Carly's frustration stems from the controversial removal of parking spaces two years ago. The loading bay outside her shop was previously pay and display parking, removed simultaneously when all parking disappeared from Southside Street.
When Plymouth City Council was questioned about the sudden removal, Carly says they claimed it was approved by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. However, when she contacted the Partnership directly, "they knew nothing about it" and shockingly "there is no paper trail."
In scenes reminiscent of the Armada Way tree controversy, Carly revealed the parking meters were removed "during the dead of night, just like the trees were in Armada Way." Council workers returned the following day to paint put up loading only signs and loading bay only markings on the road.
Parking Crisis Killing Plymouth's Barbican
The impact on local businesses has been severe. This year, the council increased parking charges across the Waterfront to either one hour or 24 hours - Carly said these decisions are "killing the high street."
"Shop keepers across the Barbican have noticed a big difference," Carly explained. "One shop keeper told me this year was the worst Easter she's had in the ten years she's had her shop and we have seen a negative impact too."
Personal Impact on Family
The parking restrictions have particularly affected Carly's disabled mother-in-law, who holds a blue badge but is no longer allowed to park outside the family shop. She now handles the business paperwork from home, meaning "she misses out on seeing family, colleagues, customers and friends - she is far more isolated now."
"One Rule for Them, Another for Us"
Given this context, Carly was shocked to see the Plymouth City Council's litter enforcement van parked in the loading bay outside her shop this morning, with two able-bodied officers taking a leisurely stroll up and down Barbican.
"It's one rule for them and another for us," Carly said.
In relation to this incident a spokesperson from Plymouth City Council said:
"Thank you for drawing our attention to the concerns raised about the Council vehicle. Our drivers are expected to comply with parking and highway restrictions and we'll look into it."
Championing Democratic Change
Carly has recently launched the "Barbican for Mayor" campaign, supporting Plymouth residents' right to choose their own leader through a directly elected mayor system.
"I fully support the referendum - it is what the city needs for positive change," she explained. "At the minute we are just seeing our city decline all over the place. We need someone who cares about our city to make the changes we need and has Plymouth's best interests at heart."
For more information on the Barbican for Mayor campaign, visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/61576704374738
Plymouth's Democratic Future
Plymouth residents will have their say on July 17th when they vote in a referendum on whether to introduce a directly elected mayor system. This crucial decision will determine how the city is governed for years to come, giving residents the opportunity to choose a leader who will be directly elected by them and directly accountable to them.
This leader does not have to be a politician - they can be anyone, which opens up the pool of talent that pro-mayor campaigners argue is exactly what Plymouth needs.
On the changes, a Plymouth City Council spokesperson said:
“The changes to loading bays on Southside Street were implemented two years ago to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking by delivery drivers, which affects the local businesses.
“They were the result of a joint piece of work with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP), in response to ongoing complaints about the issue. Consultation was led by the PWP and included letters to businesses, who supported the proposals.
“The recent changes to parking charges (introduced on 14 April) were advertised well in advance via public notices in the press and on street, as well as on our website (www.plymouth.gov.uk/news/council-announces-changes-parking-charges) and social media channels. Details were also shared with the PWP.
“As we explained in March, the changes were made to simplify the system and ensure the continued delivery of key services.
“Over the past year we have made a number of improvements to support motorists, including the creation of over 400 extra-wide spaces, expanding payment options, increasing the maximum stay on street in the city centre and introducing business permits in some loading areas.
“However, in line with other local authorities, changes were needed to cover rising costs and the rate of inflation.
“The new tariffs and permit schemes offer motorists a greater choice of parking and payment options, are more consistent and bring Plymouth’s parking charges more in line with other parts of the country.
“One of the most significant changes is the move from separate daytime and evening tariffs to a single charging period. This ensures that motorists now receive their full parking time, instead of losing time if parking is booked within an hour of the changeover between rates.
“We are also working with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company to remind drivers that they can use any remaining parking time on their tickets to park in other locations – including the Barbican."
Sign up for free below to get notified with all the latest breaking news from Plymouth Plus.
