SOME time ago, I questioned the figures on the budget relating to the Hartlepool Tall Ships Race and as a result of these questions it emerged that the borough council was apparently pinning its hopes on a £10-per-vehicle fee for park-and-ride facilities to balance the books.

Recent minutes of a meeting, where the Tall Ships Traffic Management was discussed, now reveal that it was “hoped” to keep park-and-ride schemes within the boundaries of Hartlepool, but sites further afield may need to be considered.

Sedgefield Racecourse, Durham Tees Valley Airport and Durham City park-and-ride were mentioned as possibilities. I am sure these three venues would love to provide parking for the Tall Ships Race. However, I doubt very much it would be free. How much of the £10-per-car would be left to prop up the Tall Ships budget – especially after the traffic management consultants have taken their £90,000 fee?

I still hope the Tall Ships Race will be a huge success for Hartlepool, but at the moment it looks like there is a growing risk that the success will come at a fairly steep price for the Hartlepool council tax payers.

Councillor Stephen Allison, UK Independence Party, Hartlepool Borough Council.