Wem and Market Drayton anger at car park fees plan

Two town councils have accused Shirehall of ignoring their concerns over Shropshire Council plans to roll-out controversial parking charges.

Market Drayton Town Council has vowed it will no longer consult with Shropshire Council in protest at future plans for its car parks.

Meanwhile, Wem Town Council has accused Shirehall of riding roughshod over its concerns that the introduction of off-street charges will harm the town's fragile economy.

It comes as Shropshire Council's ruling cabinet prepares to vote on its parking strategy next month.

In Wem, the finalised proposals being recommended for approval by Shropshire Council would see parking on Mill Street, High Street and Leek Street car parks cost 50p for two hours and £1.80 all day.

At High Street car park it is proposed to allow free parking for 45 minutes.

It is proposed to charge from 8am to 6pm every day.

In Market Drayton there would be a 50p charge on both Towers Lawn car parks for a stay of up to two hours.

The car parks, both currently free, would also have a maximum charge of £1.80 for long stay parking, between 8am and 6pm, seven days a week.

Charges on existing pay and display car parks in Frogmore Road and Queen Street would remain the same at 40p for a minimum one hour stay up to £1.20 for a maximum stay of three hours.

Market Drayton town councillor Lee Ridgway said: "No regard has been given to any of the submissions from Market Drayton Town Cou-ncil and consequently, this council will no longer co-operate with Shropshire Council in consultations of this kind as its voice is ignored."

The charges recommendations will become a reality in April 2011 if approved.