Parking spaces needed in Woy Woy

It was with great interest I read your last front page and the stand being taken by Chamber of Commerce President, Mr Matthew Wales, to preserve the car parking spaces in Bullion St, Umina.

Surely if the shoppers go elsewhere, the amount of traffic would be reduced, but I digress.

A few years ago, the plans for the new Woy Woy Oval precinct were being discussed and were made available for public debate.

At the Planning Committee meeting held at the Woy Woy library, Mr Wales used his allocated 10 minutes to extol the social and economic benefits of including a coffee shop in the new forecourt, and the financial flow-on for the Woy Woy community: How a new coffee shop would act as a hub, and draw shoppers and tourists to our town.

In particular, he was dismissive of any opposition to the loss of the existing 50-plus car parking spaces needed for the construction of the coffee shop and other grandiose landscaping.

Progress must prevail and the spaces must go.

His arguments were so compelling the panel recommended that it should be coffee shops one, parking spaces nil.

We are now able to judge the impact of this decision.

The White Elephant Coffee Shop will never open as it is not a viable economic enterprise and parking in Woy Woy is almost impossible to find for long periods during the day.

What a pity Mr Wales didn't champion the cause of our parking spaces as he is now doing for Umina.

Email, 14 Sep 2016

Laurie Powell, Woy Woy