Free parking call to lift trade in Market Drayton

Marta Power, of Hair by Marta in the town, started the online petition because she believes the move would attract more customers to the town. Currently visitors have to pay to use the town's Frogmore Road, Towers Lawn and Queen Street car parks.

Ms Power, whose petition has already been signed by more than 300 people, said: "I decided to create this petition to help Market Drayton local businesses and customers. Market Drayton is a lovely little town and I don't think it's fair that we have to pay for parking while other towns like Newport have free parking.

"We all have seen a lot of local shops closing recently and I think free parking could boost the amount of visitors and customers.

Yes, £1.20 isn't much but it will put potential customers off from visiting our beautiful town."

She added that she will contact Shropshire Council and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson about the issue if the petition is a success.

Commenting on the petition, Market Drayton resident Pearl Clarke said: "I am signing because I am disabled. I have, on many occasions, not shopped in town because I had not got the money or the speed to get shopping done on time."

Lisa Hingley, of Ashley, near Market Drayton, said: "I think we need to encourage as many people as possible to the town and free parking would be a positive start."

To sign the petition see www.change.org