RHA has added its weight to calls for coach parking spaces in Matlock Bath to be returned to their intended use.
The coach area at Station Road car park, along with some provision for other vehicles, is currently closed so it can serve as a “tolerated” site for a traveller family, as agreed by Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC).
In what has become a controversial matter, calls for a return to the original function have loudened over the summer with Matlock Bath Parish Council (MBPC) in early September calling upon members of the coach industry to back its demand for that to happen.
A consultation by DDDC on possible temporary pitches for the travellers concerned closed on 29 September, but the Station Road site is one of those locations. MBPC has opened a petition calling on the District Council to reinstate coach parking in Matlock Bath, although at the time of writing it had gained only 504 signatures against a goal of 1,000.
RHA has responded to the DDDC consultation. Like the Parish Council, the trade body says that such a move would boost the Matlock Bath economy. Some coach operators are said to be reluctant to visit while the Station Road parking spaces are out of action.
Operations Manager – Coach Sector Andy Warrender adds: “Matlock Bath is a long-established visitor destination and coaches provide a significant proportion of tourism traffic to the village and the wider Derbyshire Dales area.
“We support efforts to restore the parking area, which would benefit tourists, coach operators and the local economy alike.”
Responses to the DDDC consultation are expected to be discussed by the local authority before the end of the year.
