Motorists will be able to park for free in a car park in Craven Arms for a trial period of two years, it emerged today. Drivers are now being warned to take advantage of the scheme or lose it.

Town councillors have agreed to pay £10,000 towards the trial, meaning the Corvedale Road car park will be free for drivers from April 1.

After the trial period, the matter will be reviewed by Shropshire Council.

It was also agreed that Shropshire Council would be responsible for the maintenance of the car park.

The ticket machines will remain on site in case char-ges are re-introduced and car park use will be monitored to ensure that there is a flow of traffic and it is not being abused with overnight and long term parking.

Samantha Tharme, Shropshire Council’s team leader for traffic and transport studies, said: “We have agreed to this arrangement with the town council to allow free parking on Corvedale Car Park for two years on a trial basis.

“This agreement is subject to the parking strategy, which is currently being developed for Shropshire Council, as we want to ensure that parking is fair and dealt with consistently across the county.

“This could mean the arrangement is reviewed following council decisions on the strategy later in the year. It is planned that a draft strategy will be sent to Shropshire Council’s Cabinet in May 2010.”

Shropshire councillor and town councillor David Evans said he was “over the moon” with the news and hopes the initiative will get cars off the streets in the town.

He said: “I just hope Craven Arms people will use it instead of littering the streets with cars. The message from Shropshire Council is clear: ‘Use it or lose it’.”