Bath parking charges on Conservative-led council's agenda

Parking charges and roadworks are high on the new Conservative-led council's agenda

Parking charges in Bath are set to be reviewed under plans from the council's new Conservative administration.

Tim Warren, who has been appointed the new leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, has pledged to make transport a top priority.

Promises to reduce the level of roadworks in the centre and create a new park and ride are also to be made.

Mr Warren said affordable housing was also one of the priorities.

"[But], firstly what we're going to do is look at sites [for the park and ride]."

'Further cuts'

A site proposed for it in 2011 is not expected to be re-considered.

"So, we'll come up with some proposals [for new sites] and we'll then go out to consultation with the public," Mr Warren added.

BBC Radio Bristol's Nigel Dando said "a whole host of things" are on the administration's to-do list.

"They have to make further cuts they say, to keep council tax at acceptable levels," he said.

"They'll also be looking at where they can invest in services and of course, these won't just include the centre of Bath but also places such as Keynsham, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, and the Chew Valley.

"Transport is a big issue, particularly in Bath, where congestion remains a big problem, so expect past transport strategies to be ripped up.

"They'll be a comprehensive spending review to prepare for further cuts and a chance to share services with neighbouring authorities."

Other Conservative "promises" include a £6m investment in local schools, a pledge that no more of the council's public toilets will be closed, and "an all-out war" on urban gulls, Mr Dando added.