Kirkcaldy traders launch petition for free parking in town centre

With the petition are Ken Galloway from The Pet Shop and Kirsty Bremner of Print it, Stitch it (Pic: Fife Photo Agency)

Almost a dozen businesses from the east end of the High Street are carrying the petition which will go to Fife Council urging it to take a look at an issue that has been the subject of debate for many years.

It comes as traders say the cost of living crisis is hitting their business - and parking charges could be a barrier to people coming into the town centre. The costs are also hitting staff travelling to work in shops, cafes, and hair salons.

They point to Glenrothes where parking is free - a long-standing bone of contention in the debate over town centre parking charges, and how they vary across Fife’s towns.

The petition was launched as the former Tesco car park above the Postings formally closed for good ahead of its demolition.

Kirsty Bremner, who has run Print It Stitch for almost ten years, said they wanted to highlight the key role played by the town centre’s growing number of independent traders - and the challenges they still face.

Her petition said: “The lack of free parking is killing our High Street, the cost of living and changes in spending is hitting our high street businesses hard. Introducing free parking will encourage public onto the High Street more.”

Kirsty said traders hoped the move would raise their concerns with the local authority.

“It is costing customers an extra £2.50 to pay to park to collect or book their orders in the High Street - or they risk a £30 parking fine,” she said. “Every customer, delivery driver, and trader who we have asked to sign it has done so.

“Independent traders are trying to help the High Street survive. The council has to listen to us.

We employ more than 1000 people, and we need support from the council or it will lose those business rates, and people will be out of jobs, and there could be a lot of empty units left behind.”The petition has been picked up by a number of businesses in the east end including Print it Stitch it, The Pet Shop Kirkcaldy, Kirkcaldy Indoor Market, Revolution Barbershop, Izzy's Bargain Box, The Frame Store, Amritsar Tandoori Restaurant, Kangus Coffee House, Betty Nicols, Power Barbershop and Heavenly Sensations.

The traders have also spoken to Neale Hanvey MP.

You can sign the petition at www.38degrees.org.uk - search for Petition for Free Parking in Kirkcaldy High Street