Civic leaders in a market town where controversial new parking charges have been suspended hit out at Shropshire Council after learning the fees are likely to be brought in soon.

Councillor Alan Chesters, Mayor of Whitchurch, said he was disappointed to hear new parking charges look set to be rolled out on the town’s car parks by July. The charges were introduced in Wem and Market Drayton in April.

Whitchurch escaped the charges after town and unitary councillors lobbied Shirehall for a reprieve until a new car park was up and running in Mill Street.

Shirehall agreed to the request, sparking an angry response from motorists and traders in Wem and Market Drayton, where people are already forking out 10p for two hours and £1.80 all day.

But Councillor Chesters today claimed there was never any mention of a time limit for suspending the charges in Whitchurch during negotiations.

The cabinet member responsible for car parking, Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, has told the Shropshire Star the charges would be suspended for a maximum of three months.

Councillor Chesters said: “There was never any indication that there was going to be a time limit.

“I really don’t know how long this car park is going to take to be ready and I suspect neither does Shropshire Council.

“To say they would be suspended until a long-stay car park is up and running and then say the charges are coming anyway is my biggest gripe. I just wish they had made it clear that there was a time limit.”

He added that he fears the introduction of charges on Sundays in Whitchurch will be “pointless” as the town is already “deserted” and the cost of employing a ticket inspector might outstrip the revenue raised from motorists.

Samantha Tharme, Shropshire Council’s principal transport planner, said: “We previously agreed with the town council that we would not introduce new car parking charges in Whitchurch until an additional car park is opened in Mill Street.

“However, this was agreed on the understanding that this was imminent.

“There are a few issues which need resolving with regards to the new car park and these are currently being worked on.

“As soon as we have an anticipated start date, we will let everyone in the town know in advance of the charges being implemented on those car parks.”