Opinion: Council parking changes will put our church services at risk

by Laura Chalmers

“The Weston-super-Mare First National Spiritualist Church has been based on Stafford Road for over 80 years and has long been an active and valued part of the local community.

We are deeply concerned that proposed parking restrictions being introduced by North Somerset Council may force us to significantly curtail our services.

Under the current plans, parking restrictions would operate from 8am to 7pm, leaving our premises realistically usable for only one day per week without permit-related difficulties.

Although Sunday parking restrictions were removed following consultation, the remaining proposals directly affect our Thursday afternoonand evening services, Saturday workshops, training sessions, and charity events. These activities form the core of our community outreach and support work.

We were initially advised that, as a registered charity, we would be eligible to purchase business parking permits. However, when we attempted to do so, we were informed that because we are not classified as a business, we are not eligible for any permits. This leaves the church with no parking provision at all outside its own building.

This decision has serious implications for our congregation, many of whom are elderly or disabled and rely on nearby parking to attend safely. The church provides a warm, welcoming space where people who may otherwise be isolated can find companionship, support, and practical help. We also raise over £1,000 each year for local charities and good causes.

We believe that a long-established charity serving the Weston-super-Mare community for eight decades should not be placed in a position where it is effectively unable to operate.

We are asking North Somerset Council to reconsider this aspect of the parking scheme and to work with us to find a fair and practical solution that allows our services to continue. We have contacted our local councillor and following the most recent refusal of any parking provision, a formal complaint has now been submitted, particularly in light of previous assurances that permits would be available.”