Hartlepool ‘ghost town’ fears amid free Middleton Grange parking scrap

Hartlepool Borough Council recently scrapped its “free after 3pm” parking offer at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and introduced Sunday parking charges as part of its 2026/27 budget.

The changes, which also end free Saturday parking in December, are intended to generate additional income after the council voted to freeze core council tax.

Connor Stallard, a Liberal Democrat campaigner, said: “It’s the last thing our town needs.”

Mr Stallard added: “I’ve been across town this week talking to local businesses, and the feedback from them is they’re really concerned.”

Although the parking policy was introduced by the previous Labour administration, it was unanimously backed by all councillors present when the budget was approved.

Council officers estimated in March that removing free parking incentives would save £60,000.

Mr Stallard said: “From the conversations on the doorsteps, it’s clear local residents want easier access to our town centre, and these charges risk driving trade away and turning Hartlepool into a ghost town.

“I’m calling for an urgent rethink on these charges so we can ensure local residents and businesses can benefit.”

A council spokesperson said: “These changes form part of the council’s 2026/27 budget which was approved earlier this year.

“The charges reflect a requirement for the car parking service to generate additional income to offset the decision to freeze core council tax.”

The same parking proposals were put forward in the previous year’s 2025/26 budget but were saved after the council received a “positive” local government finance settlement.

Despite the council’s financial reasoning, Mr Stallard warned that the timing could not be worse for businesses already under pressure.

He said: “It could drive away customers.”

He argued that limiting free parking removes a vital incentive for shoppers and could further harm a town centre already facing economic challenges.