Parking charges will be introduced in Ellesmere

Parking charges will be introduced for the first time in Ellesmere despite angry residents claiming it would become a ghost town, a meeting heard.

More than 60 residents spoke out over proposals to implement the charges in Ellesmere when they attended a public meeting last night.

Residents criticised the charges despite civic leaders insisting it was a special case and should not be included in a county-wide shake up of parking charges. Many said charges would lead to visitors staying away and businesses suffering.

Shropshire Council plans to introduce off-street fees in the town to provide a consistent approach across the county.

Under proposals free parking could be introduced in the town for half an hour, followed by charges for motorists of 40p an hour and £3 for the day. There are no plans to introduce on-street parking fees.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council portfolio holder for transport and strategic planning, said the charges would be introduced and a consultation, due to end on September 17, was under way to determine how they would be implemented.

He said: "Not enforcing parking charges is simply not an option as we have got £60 million worth of cuts to make and from what I have gathered about Ellesmere there is currently a problem with parking."

Some residents acknowledged Ellesmere did have a problem with a lack of parking in the town, but said introducing car parking charges was the wrong solution.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are in danger of Ellesmere becoming a ghost town if charges are introduced."

Brian Knight, Ellesmere town councillor, said: "We don't want or need parking charges in the town. We need to keep people happy and look after our shops."