Parking fees axed to help blast businesses

Charges are to be suspended at three car parks to help businesses still suffering in the wake of the Shrewsbury blast.

Shropshire Council is to suspend parking fees at the Bridge Street, St Austins and The Tannery car parks from tomorrow until March 31.

The decision followed discussions with Mardol traders during the scheduled roadworks in Smithfield Road and after the explosion on January 3.

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said he had asked the council to offer free parking because of the time it was taking to fully reopen the junction at the corner of Bridge Street and Smithfield Road.

He said: "Businesses in Mardol suffer horrendously from traffic restrictions. Free parking will encourage people to come in and support the shops."

The call follows protests by Mardol traders last week over a fall in business following the explosion as roads around the area were closed for repairs.

Charges will be suspended between 8am and 11am every day at the three car parks.

Councillor David Roberts said: "We are working closely with the traders in this area and this is just one of the measures we are hoping to take forward to help them."

Councillor Maxwell Winchester said: "Please take advantage of the free parking initiative and . . . support our traders."