Vinci Responds To Their Eagles Meadow Parking Charge Increase

On Tuesday we confirmed the news that the car park under Eagles Meadow will see a 61% increase in charges, with no comment from Vinci. This afternoon they have replied.

Our story on Tuesday prompted by posts on the Wrexham.com forum had widespread interest and comment with over 50,000 people seeing the Facebook post itself – with over 250 comments , all overwhelmingly negative about the changes.

Last week we asked Vinci for comment on why the price increases are being implemented, if there had been any local consultation to the changes, and if the changes were in line with other rises on Vinci sites around the UK. Further, we invited data and detail if they wished to send it.

A spokesperson this afternoon told us: “VINCI Park UK has managed the car park at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre since 2008. During this time we have invested significantly in the car park, the wider development and the local community.

“In addition, we have worked closely with shoppers and retailers to ensure the Park Mark accredited facility is safe and well managed, with 24 hour CCTV, regular staff patrols and features like motion sensor lighting.”

“Unfortunately the rent we are required to pay for the car park, combined with the lower than anticipated activity within the commercial centre, have required us to increase charges to cover costs.

“We remain open to discussions with all stakeholders on this matter.”

Local MP Ian Lucas has written to Vinci, publishing an open letter, that states: “On your website, you say that you have a commitment to “sustainable development”. Can I say that the parking increase referred to, on top of an increase from £2.50 to £3.10 earlier this year, is completely unacceptable. It is also entirely unsustainable, driving business away from Eagles’ Meadow and Wrexham as a whole.”

Mr Lucas offers his own ultimatum with a personal boycott threatened: “Will you please reconsider this increase? If you do not agree to stop the increase, I will stop using any of your car parks and will tell anyone and everyone at every available opportunity to do the same.”

“Steps like this by irresponsible, absent landlords will kill our town centres, if they are allowed to continue.”

The debate is ongoing on the forums here…