Wem parking charges 'could hit rural people harder'

Controversial proposals for parking charges for Wem could hit rural people harder than those in the town centre, it was claimed today.

Carole Warner, clerk of Wem Rural Parish Council, said charges would be a big blow to the local economy and residents living outside the town.

But she also claimed that people living in the town centre would also be impacted by the changes proposed by Shropshire Council.

Speaking after Tuesday's parish council meeting, she said: "We discussed the issue at the meeting where we decided to wait and see what next steps Shropshire Council will take.

"The parish council are against these parking charges and are concerned of the impacts they will have on the local economy and residents.

"A lot of people in the rural areas visit or work in Wem.

"These are not only going to have to travel into town, they will then be required to pay to park when they get there.

"Rural residents could be hit harder than those in the town centre, but this is not to say the charges will not impact town centre residents, who will still be effected by them."

Plans would see parking in Mill Street, High Street and Leek Street car parks cost 50p for two hours and £1.80 all day.