Secrecy Revealed: Tape Street Car Park
- Nov 8
- 2 min read
Like many local residents, we are puzzled by the secrecy surrounding developments in our town. The most recent example is the work on the Tape Street Short Stay Car Park, which is currently undergoing a five-week development program.
Local residents and businesses have neither been informed nor consulted, and it appears that, as of the full town council meeting on Monday, October 3rd, the Town Council has also not been informed of the details of the work or involved in the planning. This is despite having made several requests for information about the car park as part of its devolution inquiries.
We appreciate all the information our local district councillors share with COGNEWS, but have to question why standard democratic procedures and effective practices are not integral to Cheadle's development process.
Car parks in town centres are essential for the business economy, the quality of life for numerous residents, and, in the case of Cheadle, the visitor economy as well.
Local District Councillor Vicky Wheeldon informed COGNEWS that the speed bumps could have been removed, but that would have caused a problem of speeding and high curbs, which can cause problems for pedestrians. Instead, the speed bumps have been incorporated within a new walkway crossing, which will allow people to get from the toilets to the shops, providing a safe walkway and defined road crossings with speed control measures.
Eight mother-and-child parking bays will be incorporated into the redesign, something not previously provided. Gullies are being laid to take away surface rainwater to prevent flooding, and some parking bays near the Charles Street entrance will be removed, with cross-hatching placed instead where the car park is thought to be dangerously narrow. Lastly, for safety, a one-way system will be introduced with side lanes (one way) going towards the High Street and one lane in the middle for traffic going down towards Tape Street.
Those of us with long memories will recall that the car park space in the town centre was gifted to the people of Cheadle. In 1974, when SMDC was established, they assumed responsibility for managing the car park. This did not grant them the liberty to act independently, disregarding both users and taxpayers in their decision-making. Such an approach leads to failure and poor urban planning. It appears that decisions concerning Cheadle are made from afar, with information being shared either late or insufficiently.
We've learned from three separate sources that the current work is a result of a coroner's report indicating that someone tripped in the car park and fell, resulting in an injury that unfortunately led to their death. This incident reportedly occurred in 2024, giving the district council ample time to involve residents in the car park decisions and allow the local community to unite and mourn the loss.
Will the current work enhance the car park and alleviate town congestion? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: many residents once again feel disappointed and disconnected from matters that are important to them.
If SMDC wishes to leave a positive legacy, they must engage local people in local decisions.
Secrecy Revealed: Tape Street Car Park - 8th November 2025
