21 Sep 2024
As the Harpenden parking controversy continues to divide the district’s Lib Dems, we spoke to newly-elected Victoria Collins to determine her views on the subject.
Having been contacted by various constituents who are asking how, as their self-professed “local champion” she was not being more proactive over this issue, we told her it was more than a question of political boundaries, with as many as a third of Harpenden’s population opposing the introduction of on-street parking fees.
We asked her if she supported SADC’s proposals, what feedback on the scheme she had received from local residents and retailers, and whether she thought the district council administration understands the ways in which Harpenden differs from St Albans.
We also wanted to know if she thought the Liberal Democrat administration risked losing control of Harpenden in response to this issue, and also whether SADC was jeopardising the future prosperity of Harpenden’s independent retailers by introducing this policy.
In response, she released the following statement:
“As MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, it is quite right that I am focused on listening to, and standing up for, local people’s concerns on parking and a wide range of issues.
“That’s why I’ve spent a lot of the last two months meeting with local businesses and residents, at events and on the doorstep, sharing their feedback with councillors and the SADC council leadership. As I grew up helping my mum with a retail shop in a market town like Harpenden, the plight of our high street, local businesses and consumers is important to me. I have also met with the town council to understand their views on the issue, and the views that have been shared with them.
“I know the district council leadership are carefully reviewing consultation responses, and I’m confident they will be able to offer some adjustments to address the needs and concerns raised very soon.
“My role as MP is to stand up for every resident and the town of Harpenden (and indeed every unique town and village in our constituency) to make sure their voice is heard. The future prosperity of Harpenden, including its many local businesses, is a top priority for me. The local Conservatives have tried to make this issue party political for their own gain – but their district councillors have failed to propose any alternative measure to tackle the dangerous financial deficit their own Government left in their wake.
“We mustn’t forget that last autumn, while SADC’s leadership were working all hours, making tough calls to protect vital public services, councils like Birmingham didn’t take similar steps and were forced to effectively declare bankruptcy.
“Tough times, in part brought on by years of Conservative cuts and economic mismanagement, have required difficult decisions – but we aren’t powerless, and I’m fighting for positive action to give local people and our councils the money and power to shape our own future.
“Together with other Liberal Democrat MPs, I am pressing the new Labour Government to properly fund local authorities and give them the support to bolster public services, not cut them. I am meeting with the Federation of Small Businesses, Harpenden Town Council and local businesses to discuss positive steps I can work for as MP to protect and improve our High Street, whilst continuing to call for reforms to business rates that represent one of the biggest threat to small local business.
“A lot of feedback has also highlighted the dire state of public transport which has led to a reliance on our cars. Indeed, the Harpenden Society commissioned a report into Transport in Harpenden which highlighted that Hertfordshire has seen the biggest cut in vehicle mileage on bus services in England of 56.5% between 2016 and 2022.
“That’s also why I’m also pushing the Government and Herts county council to drastically improve transport to give local people the freedom of a choice of options in getting to where they need to be.
“I call on local politicians of all parties to join me in working towards positive solutions – on government funding, the future of our high street, and public transport – in tough times.”
