THE cabinet member with responsibility for car parking in Mon-mouthshire has assured his constituents in Usk that he is listening to them and will represent them when the final decision on the imposition of car parking charges is made. Under plans revealed by Monmouthshire County Council in its recent budget a number of free car parks set aside for workers could attract parking charges if the cabinet give the controversial scheme the green light. The 28-day consultation period to impose car parking charges on previously free car parks in Monmouthshire started on July 6 and has provoked fierce opposition throughout the county, particularly in Usk. Councillor John Harrhy, who is a member of Usk Town Council and cabinet member for highways, has been criticised for not listening to the townspeople at recent meetings where the controversial car parking charges issue has been discussed. Usk Town Council voiced their total opposition to the introduction of car parking charges in the town and, at their recent meeting, Councillor Harrhy was criticised by colleagues for leaving the council chamber after declaring an interest when the issue of car parking charges was about to be discussed. Councillor Galletely said he understood that Councillor Harrhy had to declare an interest but wanted to know why he couldn't remain in the meeting to take on board the opinions of the town. "How can he represent the views of this council to the local authority when he's not here?" he asked. "I fail to see how sitting here listening to our comments is wrong." Councillor Tony Kear said he couldn't see how Councillor Harrhy could possibly carry out a dual role, representing the town and taking part in the final decision. "How can he declare an interest here and not declare an interest while making the final decision?" "I wonder whether he should be involved on this issue at town or county council level?" he said. The meeting was adjourned for five minutes while Mayor of Usk Councillor Elizabeth Flemming left the chamber to try to persuade Councillor Harrhy to return but he refused. Earlier this week at a meeting of the Usk Chamber of Trade and invited guests, Councillor Harrhy again came in for criticism for not listening. Regarding the town council meeting Councillor Harrhy said, "I declared an interest and was quite aware of what was going to be said and what the views of the councillors were." He said he was quite capable of handling the dual responsibility. "I have a dual responsibility but my first thoughts are for the people of the town. "I can assure you I will put the case for the town forward." He added that no decision had been made regarding car parking charges. "The county council have issued their intentions subject to public consultation. "Once that consultation has taken place an officer will put it into a report which will be seen by the cabinet. We are still listening and no decision will be made until the final meeting." He added, "I've always listened to the people of Usk, I think a lot of the town, I live here and my heart is here." He said he would not get emotionally involved but that first of all he is a representative of the town and that would always come first.
