Taunton council’s blunder over charges for Christmas car-parking in Wellington has been put right – and will benefit the town’s hospital.
Officials were supposed to make the main car parks free for four Saturdays in December, but they forgot and kept the charges in place, to the annoyance of traders and shoppers. Now the money – £650 – is being refunded to buy a blood centrifuge for the hospital that will benefit kidney patients –in particular.
John Bailey, who chairs Wellington Hospital’s League of Friends, said the equipment would save some patients from having to travel to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for tests.
“This enhances further the ability of Wellington Community Hospital to serve local people in Wellington and support our local GPs,”said Mr Bailey.
Cllr Mark Edwards, who holds the parking portfolio at Taunton Deane, said: “The process of refunding very small sums of money to individual drivers would have been expensive and time-consuming. I would hope that drivers affected would applaud the fact that the money is being put to such good use locally and will be of real benefit to patients at Wellington Hospital.”
Vivienne Stock-Williams, Mayor of Wellington and a TDBC councillor, is delighted with the solution.
“It is heartening news that this unexpected windfall is being put to such good use. Local residents are very proud of our local hospital which is at the heart of the wellbeing of our community. Many families cherish its presence, as they have benefited from its care over the years.