Community members in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, are planning a public protest on Saturday 28 February 2026 to object to the sale of a town centre car park. The demonstration is aimed at stopping the disposal of the Jackson’s Lane facility, which local people say is a vital space for the community.
The Wellingborough Eco Group is organising the gathering at the car park starting at 1:00 PM. Organisers like Jonathan Hornett argue that losing these parking spaces will make it much harder for visitors and residents to reach local businesses and the High Street.
The North Northamptonshire Council decided to sell the land after labelling it as surplus to requirements. Council leaders say there are too many parking spaces in the town and that the Jackson’s Lane site has problems with rubbish being dumped and other anti-social behaviour.
Local officials, including Labour councillor David Baker, have criticised the move and claimed there has not been enough talk with the public about the decision. The council, which came under the control of Reform UK following elections in May 2025, plans to use the land for new housing or mixed-use buildings.
This is not the first time the town has fought to keep the car park, as a similar plan was stopped in 2018 after more than 4,000 residents signed a petition. This latest protest is a final attempt by the community to keep the car park as a public asset before the sale moves into its final stages.
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