Conservative councillors have lent their support to a petition calling for a raft of measures to encourage people to shop in Coventry City Centre following Labour leaders ordering it to be removed from the City Council’s website. The petition was started by Labour Councillor Bally Singh, who was publicly rebuked by his own leadership for raising the issue and subsequently forced to abandon the campaign.
The controversial petition includes several measures including free parking and bus fares, linked to spending in City Centre shops, which have been ruled out by Labour on cost grounds, but Conservative Councillors feel that at the very least these proposals should be debated and costed before any decisions are taken.
It also contained calls to explore different ways of promoting the city and encouraging visitors as Coventry approaches the 2012 Olympic games. Many businesses have welcomed the petition and have backed calls for a debate.
Local tourist guide and City Councillor, Roger Bailey (Con, Whoberley) is backing the petition and said:
“As a person who runs their own tourism business, I welcome any discussion that might bring more people into Coventry and this petition should be supported. It should not be rejected out of hand and we as a council should have a proper debate on it.”
The petition can be signed by clicking HERE.