Hundreds back call for free Market Drayton parking in bid to support local business
Supporting is growing for a campaign calling for free car parking to be introduced in a market town to support local businesses.
About 350 have now signed a petition created by Marta Power, of Hair by Marta in Market Drayton, who believes the move would attract more customers to the town.
Currently visitors have to pay to use the town's Frogmore Road, Towers Lawn and Queen Street car parks.
Shropshire Council says it is currently looking at reviewing the charges and it recommends people using long stay car parks as a "cheaper alternative".
Commenting on the online petition, Market Drayton resident Pete Wright said: "Market Drayton needs building up so make a start with free parking and drop the rates for shop owners, or do a cheap rate to help new ventures start up."
Paul Pennell, from Market Drayton, said: "The town is dying. This is a necessary first step."
Samantha Hall, from Almington in Staffordshire, says free parking will help the town get back onto its feet.
Ms Power thinks it's unfair that people have pay for parking in Market Drayton, while other towns like Newport have free parking.
"We all have seen a lot of local shops closing recently and I think free parking could boost amount of visitors and customers," she said.
"I don't know if anyone created petition like this before, but after speaking to some of my clients I decided to create it."
She added she will contact Shropshire Council and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson about the issue if the petition generates a lot of signatures.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Shropshire Council would recommend the use of long stay car parks as a cheaper alternative for short and long stay car parking, with up to two hours only costing 10p, and up to six hours only costing £1.
"We are currently looking at reviewing the charges. The maximum three hours in the short stays allows for high turnover of vehicles, and custom which helps support local businesses."
Discussions are currently under way about the town council taking over the running of the library, markets and car parks from Shropshire Council.
The unitary authority is looking to transfer some of its assets to town councils and other organisations as part of its bid to save more than £70 million in the next five years.
To sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/shropshire-council-free-parking-for-market-drayton-to-help-town-to-grow
