Market Drayton Carnival fans to leave cars free for a day

Parking charges in Market Drayton will be waived for the day of the town's carnival, it has been announced. On July 1 it will be free to park in all three of the town's main car parks.

Carnival organisers have said the news is a real boost.

The decision has been taken by Shropshire Council after parking charges introduced in the town last year attracted widespread criticism.

Carnival organisers had been looking at arranging for a shuttle bus to bring in visitors from the cattle market at Adderley or from Green Fields.

But the plans have been shelved in the wake of the fees decision.

Carnival committee chairman Lee Ridgway said: "I am really pleased Shropshire Council can see how important the carnival is to the town of Market Drayton and to the traders that come along on the day. This can only add to what a wonderful day it is going to be."

Roger Hughes, Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton West, said it was a perfectly reasonable request to have free parking for the day.

The day before the event, on June 30, there will be stall outside the library in the town centre selling fast-track entry wristbands to cut down on queues waiting to get into The Grove School for the carnival.

There will also be entertainment, competitions and family activities around the town before the main carnival on the Sunday.

This year's event will raise money for the Market Drayton First Responders, who will be collecting money alongside the parade.