CAR PARKING charges in Bewdley should be scrapped to attract more people to the town during ongoing road works, according to a town councillor.

Health Concern town councillor, Derek Killingworth, addressed the town councillors during yesterday's council meeting.

He said: "We are all suffering in some way as a result of the tremendous road works going on in and around the town.

"To put up with this and then find you have to pay to park must put many people off the idea of coming to Bewdley.

"There should be no charge for parking at all until this disruptive work has finished."

Severn Trent Water is currently replacing the town's water mains and service pipes with new plastic versions and traders have noticed a slump in trade since the work began.

Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet suspended car parking charges in the town's off street car parks, from 4pm, each day, to help boost trade during the works.

Health Concern town councillor, Barbara Stallwood, who is also secretary of Bewdley Chamber of Trade, said: "Free parking after 4pm is no good for the traders because most shops shut at five, which does not leave enough time for shoppers to visit the shops."

Conservative, town councillor, Stephen Clee, argued he could not agree with "full time" free parking as it would mean an increase in car parking charges for the district.

He added: "Car parking in Bewdley is the cheapest in the district. We encourage people to come to Bewdley and use the car park."

Bewdley mayor, Anne Mace, said: "I feel we should fully support the people and traders of Bewdley."