Outcry over plan for Bridgnorth car parking charge

Traders and campaigners were due to gather in Bridgnorth today to protest at plans for new parking charges on the town's High Street.

Members of the Drivers Alliance and the Taxpayers Alliance were due to hand out leaflets outside the Town Hall urging shoppers and traders to fight the controversial proposals.

They were also expected to hold up banners calling on council chiefs to "Axe the Bridgnorth Parking Tax".

As part of a draft consultation document on changes to parking charges in Shropshire's market towns, Shropshire Council is proposing to charge 10p for up to 30 minutes and 60p for an hour on the High Street.

Bosses are also proposing to increase fees from £1.80 to £5.50 on the Old Smithfield for up to 10 hours, and from £1.80 to £3.50 for the same period at Innage Lane.

Peter Roberts, founder of the Drivers Alliance, said every trader he had spoken to was opposed to the move.

He said: "We understand the proposals will see a reduction in the number of spaces in the High Street and parking meters introduced. Where as before people could park for free to shop, now they will be asked to pay.

"All of the shopkeepers and businesses in the area are dead set against this because they feel it will reduce footfall.

"At a time when we should be trying to encourage commerce, this folly will deprive people of visitors to their shops at a time when they need every penny they can get."

Claverley parish clerk Gill Price said that members fully supported Mr Roberts and had already voted to object to the plans, which are in line to be introduced from next spring.

The proposals have also met with fierce opposition from Chelmarsh Parish Council.

"We have written to Shropshire Council once and will be writing again," said its parish clerk Elizabeth Yeomans.

"These charges will destroy everything," said Mrs Yeomans, who is also a Highley councillor and former district council leader.

"They will have a devastating effect on businesses and put people off coming to the town."

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