Mayor says charges the end for town

Tuesday 2nd February 2010, 11:18AM GMT.

A mayor today warned that parking charges would “be the end” of a north Shropshire town amid fears they could be introduced to boost unitary coffers.

Councillor Brian Knight, mayor of Ellesmere, told last night’s town council meeting that rumours parking charges could be in the offing would spell disaster for town centre trade.

Other councillors said the authority should write to Shropshire Council to say they would oppose any proposals to introduce charges.

Councillor Knight said: “Car parking charges would be the end of this town.

“We want Ellesmere to start thriving and I think that by even considering car parking charges it would be the end of many businesses in the town.”

Councillor Lynne Davies said that members of Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce were also against any charges, while Councillor Alan Clarke said the only compromise he could stomach would be to offer the first hour free.

Councillors voted to write to Shropshire Council to say they would strongly resist car parking charges for Ellesmere.

Currently car parking is free at the Ellesmere town centre car park.

View more: Ellesmere news, North Shropshire news, Shropshire Council news.