Drivers boycott car park in town

A 65-space car park in a south Shropshire town is being boycotted by motorists because the parking charges are too high, it has been claimed.

And now, 18 months after the charges were introduced, Shropshire Councillor David Evans has said that there were cars "cluttering the streets", blocking driveways and making access difficult.

Currently, the charges stand at 40p for an hour, 80p for two hours £2 for four hours and £3 a day at the car park in Corvedale Road, Craven Arms.

Councillor Evans said: "We have got a car park and nobody uses it. The streets are cluttered with vehicles. The charges are too high.

"I would like to see the charges scrapped altogether so we can get people back into the shops and the town.

"The trouble is people are not using the car park and parking in Mayfield Avenue and Fairfield Close."

Neville Stephens chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, said there was free alternative parking beyond Station Drive in the town but "it is a bit of a walk".

Phil Crossland, Shropshire Council's assistant director strategic highways and transportation, said: "We are aware of people's concerns with the parking charges in Craven Arms, which were set by the former South Shropshire District Council.

"Shropshire Council is currently undertaking an extensive county-wide review of on and off-street parking including parking charges. It is anticipated this will be concluded by the end of the current financial year."