Council shelves parking charge rises after review

The council runs a number of car parks including one near the market hall

Plans to increase parking charges in and around Coalville and Ashby have been shelved.

North West Leicestershire District Council had been looking at increasing fees at the car parks it runs.

However the authority has confirmed it will freeze rates based on feedback from 4,500 residents and businesses received during a consultation held earlier this month.

"We recognise that it's a tough time for our town centres," said deputy council leader Michael Wyatt.

The authority said it had launched a review of charges to try to cut the amount it spends subsidising parking because its income from car parks is outstripped by the cost of running them.

Wyatt said: "Throughout the course of the car parking review, we've reflected on what people have told us.

"We have also done a lot of engagement with partners and businesses in the district, who are understandably concerned about the current economic climate and ongoing pressures on the high street.

"While we do need to balance the running costs of our car parks, we also understand that they must be priced competitively to encourage people to continue to visit and work in our town centres.

"Therefore, we've decided that our car parking fees and charges will remain as they are for the foreseeable future."