Oswestry will not suffer from a possible hike in car parking charges across the county.

Shropshire Council, struggling to close its financial gap, says it may increase car park charges.

However Oswestry Town Council has already decided to freeze the charges on its car parks for the coming year.

Councillors took the decision to try to attract more visitors to the town and help the local economy, particularly shopkeepers.

Now the council is suggesting that Shropshire Council invite other town councils to take over the running of car parks.

Town Clerk, Mr David Preston, said the council made a substantial profit running the main Central Car Park and the Smithfield and Horsemarket car parks.

“The money generated from our car parks underpins many of our other services,” he said.

“Those visiting Oswestry benefit from good parking facilities at a low cost.”

Town mayor, Councillor Margaret Chamberlain, said: “We believe that the low cost of car parking and the services we offer helps Oswestry to compete as a visitor and shopping destination.

“We think other town councils could follow our lead and run car parks successfully.”

The council is urging Shropshire Council to hand over the running of the Oswestry Oak Street car park to the town. Car park charges in Oswestry range from 40p for an hour to £2 or £2.30 for up to six hours.

Shropshire Council has said there could be what finance chief Laura Rowley described as “modest” increases in car parking charges, probably 10p to 20p across the county. This could bring in another £412,000 to the unitary authority budget.