A CHARITY car park in Skipton that has raised around £250,000 for local good causes since it first opened 25 years ago is struggling to get back up to speed following the coronavirus pandemic.
Skipton Rotary Club has been given permission by Skipton Building Society to use its car park at its headquarters at The Bailey, a short walk from the town centre, every Saturday and Bank Holiday since 1997. All that the building society asks is that the revenue must be given out to local groups and causes.
Since 1997, rotary has collected often more than £10,000 every year from people using the car park, and in total a very impressive around £250,000.
But, with visitor numbers crashing during the pandemic, there was a drop in revenue, and despite hopes it would improve once restrictions were lifted, from February, revenue has remained stubbornly flat, say rotary members.
Now, the club is reminding people what good value the parking is, and members have put up a new banner at the top of the High Street urging people to use the car park and help raise money for good causes.
People can park all day, from 10am to 6pm, for just £3 - which compares favourably to parking for four hours for £4.50 in the council-run High Street Car Park and at £4.50 for more than four hours at the Craven Leisure Car Park.
Ian Knowles, the rotary club's lead for community and environment, said: "We are delighted to be able to continue to support local causes, but we would like to encourage as many drivers and families to use the car park as possible.
"At £3 for the whole day it represents excellent value in comparison with other parking in the town."
David Newall, rotary president, said: "Its proximity to the High Street and local attractions, the car park offers an excellent large, covered space for parking."
Mr Newall thanked Walker Foster Solicitors for allowing the club to put up the banner on their property.
Recent recipients of donations from the money raised from the car park have included Skipton Food Bank, Settle Swimming Pool, SELFA, St Andrew’s Playgroup, Brooklands School and Skipton Step into Action.
Meanwhile, Skipton Rotary says groups should not be put off applying for funds and is encouraging as many local charities and good causes to apply for support as possible.
Revenue might have slowed, but funds are still in good health it says. For more details, go to www.skiptonrotary.org
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