During an East Sussex County Council Cabinet meeting this morning (Tuesday January 26) Labour’s Godfrey Daniel suggested that extra income could be raised in districts such as Wealden, which was not currently generating a parking surplus for the authority. But Roy Galley, a Conservative district and county councillor, said free parking was a ‘godsend’ and something that was appreciated by residents. He said: “Keep your trotters in your own trough. Keep your nose out of the business of Wealden. Free parking is a godsend to our local economy and is much appreciated by businesses, shopkeepers and residents alike. “Decriminalisation would stop us being able to have that level of free parking which is crucial to our market towns.” Bob Standley, a county councillor and Wealden District Council’s leader, added: “If we decriminalise it would mean we have to charge for on street parking.” He called the level of free parking an ‘important economic driver’ for the district. Cllr Daniel was suggesting ways ESCC could increase income as it looks to cut around £70m over the next three financial years due to a steep reduction in funding from central Government. But Labour’s Tania Charman said: “Why is free parking such a priority for some when we are looking at cutting services for vulnerable people?” Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage 2) Like our Facebook page 3) Follow us on Twitter 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! Always the first with your local news. Be part of it.