Just four responses on Shrewsbury parking changes

Officials at Shropshire Council have admitted it has been difficult to draw accurate conclusions about public opinion over the plans for the county town due to the 'extremely low response rate' to the idea.

But Jonathan Hayes, passenger transport manager at Shirehall, said the wider advantages of the town's car parks being used more would offset the concerns of local residents.

Shropshire councillors are set to decide today whether to bring in the new charges for next month in Shrewsbury and Ludlow, in a move which could bring in additional income of about £30,000 per year.

Income from on-street parking will be put towards providing park and ride bus services in the two towns, with any surplus used to subsidise local bus services.

Of the four responses, there were two objections by members of the public, one statement of support by a business and a neutral response by the police.

In comparison, 54 responses were received from Ludlow on the consultation, between November 16 and December 7.

Graham Galliers, chairman of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said people were not properly aware of the consultation.

"The consultation has been done at a very awkward time. The timescale wasn't very good, it wasn't long enough," he said. "Nobody really knew about it."

Rai Fisher, from Roses and Fishes in Ludlow, said: "Sunday is a special day in Ludlow and is celebrated by a huge number of people attending church, shopping and going to pubs.

"People can relax and not bother about when the meter will run out. Most people don't want these charges and think there are better options. It would be a travesty if the cabinet went against the wishes of so many local people."

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for parking, said: "The aim is to ensure longer-stay vehicles are in car parks, remove congestion and allow more people easier access to town centres."