Free parking hopes for Shrewsbury Town fans

Shrewsbury Town fans could get access to free parking for their first season back in League One if council bosses rubber stamp the move ahead of the new campaign.

Officials at Shropshire Council are currently carrying out a feasibility study in partnership with Shrewsbury Town chiefs to decide whether to open up Meole Brace Park and Ride car park to supporters.

It comes after the car park was opened for the last three evening home games of last season in a bid to boost attendances.

The move was made after more than 50 fans were ticketed by traffic wardens for parking on verges outside the closed park and ride last season – leaving many arguing they had been targeted unfairly during the game by traffic wardens. Some motorists were left with a bill for up to £75.

Council bosses are understood to be keen on the idea of making free parking a regular option for motorists attending the Greenhous Meadow, with a decision expected in the next four to eight weeks.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "We are looking into the possibility of opening the Park and Ride car park for Shrewsbury Town fans to park next season.

"But the details are still being discussed as it's important we do it in the right way. No decisions have been made yet, but it is something we are looking at."

The car park was opened until 11pm for supporters attending the final games of the season as Shrewsbury booked their place in League One through automatic promotion.

More than 300 people used it at the Oxford United and Cheltenham Town fixtures with a similar number using the car park for the crunch clash with Midlands' rivals Port Vale.

At the time Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, admitted that the park and ride car park had been 'very well used' and that supporters were valuing the opportunity to park there.