| Rail commuters and local businesses are likely to fail in their bid to stop West Berkshire Council introducing parking permits on the roads near Newbury train station – newbury.net can reveal.
The council is tightening up on people who park in sidestreets around Link Road and Catherine Road, and near St Bartholomews School, prompting objections from 18 local businesses and concerns from Newbury Town Council.
Tory Councillor Keith Chopping is expected to rubberstamp a report tomorrow (Tuesday) which will cut the number of parking spaces to just 50 and will restrict waiting times in Pound Street.
The report says: “There has been extensive consultation on the proposals for Zones SW1 and SW2, which has resulted in a low response. It is considered that the majority of residents or interested parties are either satisfied with the proposals following the informal consultation exercises or do not feel strongly enough about the issues to express an opinion either way.”
The plans are part of a town-wide scheme to bring in £50,000 a year from motorists, and is also designed to discourage car use. | 
