Shropshire car parking charges to be frozen

Car park charges across Shropshire are set to be frozen this year to try to encourage shoppers into town centres.

The charging freeze is one of a number of recommendations contained in a report to the council's cabinet which will meet on 11 January.

Councillors had previously agreed that all fees and charges which the council has control over would go up by inflation plus 4% on a yearly basis.

But that is now being reviewed to allow more flexibility over prices.

Economic situation

Public entry fees at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, in Craven Arms, are being reduced, while some other charges, such as those for pest control, library fees, and the music and arts service, which provides music tuition and instrument hire, will stay the same.

There are some increases being proposed, mostly in leisure centre prices, room hire fees, some licences, and charges for printing planning applications.

Keith Barrow, leader of the Conservative-led authority, said: "I felt it was important we had a thorough look at how much we charge for these services, taking into account what people have been telling us and bearing in mind the current economic situation.

"We absolutely appreciate it's tough for people at the moment and I think people will appreciate anything we can do to help"