THE leader of WaverleyÕs Lib Dem controlled borough council, Chris Slyfield, has made a U-turn in the latest car parking price hike row, calling for a full review and consultation on car parking.
The move comes after car parking charges in Haslemere are set to escalate, doubling fees in the town and across the borough.
The review is being carried out, said Mr Slyfield in a statement on Wednesday, Òto respond to the concerns correctly raised by the district auditorÓ.
Last week the environment and leisure overview and scrutiny committee voted against consulting the public and businesses about the proposed charges.
ÒWaverley should be ashamed of itself,Ó declared the chairman of Haslemere Chamber of Trade Melanie Odell, following the latest revelations that car parking charges could double, and annual season tickets increase by 50 per cent.
ÒI am horrified that these increases, some of which could be introduced as early as November are coming in at the worst possible time of the year,Ó she said.
ÒJust when shoppers are coming to town at the busiest and most crucial time of the year, Waverley is thinking of doubling its car park charges.Ó