Demand for £1 hourly parking charge continues

A Newtown councillor says a £1 hourly parking charge is desperately needed to reverse the fortunes of Newtown and other town centres in the area.

The call comes after Powys County Council said parking at its public car parks, including at Back Lane and Gravel, would be free on some Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

It follows a hike in parking charges earlier this year which have been slammed by councillors, businesses and residents.

Cllr Pete Lewington, who is on the county and town councils, said: “Whilst I welcome any initiative that will help our beleaguered residents and businesses this does not go nearly far enough for me.

"I have been calling for the introduction of an affordable £1 for 1 hour parking so why not be bold, listen to our residents and businesses and introduce that rather than wait until it is too late to save our Town Centres.

"I was pleased to see the portfolio holder finally acknowledge that the county’s economy needs a boost, is vital to everyone and agree that any help to increase spend has to be worthwhile.

"Lets hope that having finally grasped that she can take the decision that we all want her to take and introduce an affordable £1 for 1 hour parking immediately – no need for a review on that one as we know what our residents and businesses have told us they need."