A PETITION signed by more than 70 users of the Archie Graham Community Centre calling for more parking spaces to be made available for senior citizens has failed to win any concessions from Warrnambool City Council.
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When told of this week’s 4-3 decision petition organiser Yola Bennoun said “I didn’t expect them to do anything, but I won’t give up”.
“I had 70-plus people who were happy to sign it, but they all doubted if the council would take any notice.
“It’s a lovely club and I hope the council’s decision won’t put people off going there.”
Petitioners claimed members of the club at times were unable to find parking spaces at the Timor Street venue.
“Parking behind our club has become so scarce,” the petition said.
A similar petition was lodged with the council three years ago. On both occasions the issue of council department vehicles occupying parking bays was raised.
An officer’s report said an audit undertaken on 21 occasions at the rear car park between August and October last year revealed an average occupancy of 65 per cent.
“The car park was not observed to be full on any occasion. However, it reached 90 per cent capacity on five occasions,” it said.
“Data indicates there is ample parking at the rear of Archie Graham and the Cramond and Dickson off-street park which is 85 metres away from the rear ramped access.”
In a letter of response from the council the petitioners will be told the Archie Graham park is available for all members of the public.
Cr Kelson said he twice drove to the venue to check and found no parks available, while councillors Peter Sycopoulis and Peter Hulin said if there was no problem there would not be a petition.
“We have a responsibility to elderly people who built this town,” Cr Hulin said.