Mayor plays down talk of free car parking being introduced in Mansfield town centre

It follows calls from a number of residents around Mansfield who believe free car parking is vital to helping struggling businesses attract more trade.

But Mr Abrahams says car parking revenues were necessary to help maintain existing facilities.

“We have got very competitive parking in Mansfield, but we have to balance the books with regard to the maintenance of our car parking,” he said.

“We are working on a £3m upgrade of the Four Seasons car park at the moment and we can't magic that money up, it has to come from our car parking revenue.

“My belief is that if we make Mansfield town an attractive place by improving the environment and getting more and more inward invest then the small parking fees won’t be a significant factor.

“People go to places that they are attracted to and are worth visiting and that is my aim for Mansfield.”

Mr Abrahams also revealed that he expects the long-awaited demolition of the derelict Walkden Street car park to begin this month.

“We are just about there now,” he added. “I believe in August we will start demolition of that car park. It has been a very tricky and long legal and negotiating battle, which involved Mansfield District Council having to buy out of a 48 year lease.

“The safety of our residents is paramount and as a council we cannot wait to crack on and get that car park demolished and that whole area open again.”