MAJOR changes are proposed for parking charges in Ludlow.

While there are some reductions in a scheme that has been drawn up by Shropshire Council, the majority of people are likely to end up paying more.

As the Advertiser went to press, members of the cabinet of Shropshire Council were considering the proposals and, subject to approval, there will be a period of consultation.

The plan is that the new parking arrangements would come into force in November just in time for the Christmas shopping period.

Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, fears that, if they are implemented, the new charging regime will be bad for shops, pubs and restaurants.

The proposals are likely to result in new calls for the car parks to be transferred from Shropshire Council to Ludlow Town Council.

Under the proposals, motorists will charged for parking in car parks on Sundays and bank holidays.

People will also pay nearly three times the current price to park on Ludlow’s streets for three hours. Charges in the Castle Street car park will rise by 167 per cent for four-hour stay.

“If you have deep enough pockets, you’ll be able to park anywhere on-street or in a car park in Ludlow for as long as you want,” said Andy Boddington.

“Residents will be able to park in the car parks 24-hours a day, seven days a week – if they can afford it.

“But overall, the scheme will make parking in Ludlow more expensive and less flexible.

“Many of our key parking areas will become clogged with long-term parkers. They won’t then be available for tourists and shoppers. Our visitor economy will suffer as a result.”

Andy Boddington is especially concerned about plans for the Castle Street car park, nearest the town centre.

“In Ludlow, charges will be hiked in our main short-stay car park on Castle Street,” he added.

“Worse, it will no longer be short-stay. Residents and visitors will be able to park 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week if they can afford £35 a week. The cost will be as low as £19 a week on an annual season ticket.

“I fear that Castle Street car park will become clogged with long-stay parkers. Shoppers and visitors will have nowhere to park off-street near the market. It is vital for the economy of our town centre that Castle Street remains a short-stay car park.”

There are also major changes for the Galdeford car park between the library and Tesco where there are more than 250 parking spaces.

Some parking charges here would fall under the new scheme but Andy Boddington is concerned about the consequences.

“The proposed changes will lead to Galdeford becoming a car-park clogged with vehicles owned by long-stay visitors and residents,” fears Andy Boddington.

“Town centre on-street parking charges will go up from £2.20 for three hours to £6.00.

“That’s far too big an increase."