HEREFORDSHIRE Council has delayed bringing in new car parking charges in Kington after public reaction.

After hearing first hand how people in the north Herefordshire town felt at a public meeting, council transport chief Coun John Harrington said the move would be paused until "challenges and concerns raised by the community can be fully considered".

This would take the shape of a transport study.

Coun Harrington told the town council that Herefordshire Council intended to introduce the charges in all of Kington’s car parks from April 1.

Parking in the town’s largest car park, off the High Street, would cost 80p an hour, or £4 all day. The car park on Market Hall Street would charge 50p an hour, or £2 all day, and the Love Lane car park would charge a flat £1 all day.

The charges at the Mill Street car park, the only one of the four to currently charge, would remain at 50p an hour or £2 all day.

At the public meeting last week, representatives from Herefordshire Council were questioned by the public about the lack of public consultation, and the costs involved in setting up the scheme, at a public meeting on Wednesday (March 2).

Residents were angry at the proposals, with many pointing out that with the lack of parking provision for town centre homes, they have no choice but to use council car parks.

Concerns were also raised by business owners about how the plans will affect footfall in the town at a time when a recovery is most needed.

Coun John Harrington said that he would reflect on the issues raised and report back to the town council.

The introduction of charges for off-street parking in the town had been proposed as the council considers how it can best meet the needs of residents and promote other ways of travel.

"It is important that the limited number of parking spaces in any town centre is correctly managed to enable visitors to find a parking space easily and conveniently when they arrive," a spokesperson said.

"The transport study will align with the emerging scoping work set out in the Market Town Investment Plan for Kington, which is due to be considered by Cabinet on March 24, and identify solutions to address the concerns raised around the parking."

The town council has been invited to review the transport study brief to ensure that it addresses their concerns before it is progressed.

The study, which will include further consultation with the town council and local stakeholders, is anticipated to be completed over the summer.

Coun John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “I’m grateful to the town council for arranging a public meeting last week as it was important to fully understand the detail behind the concerns expressed by those who may be affected by the proposed decision.

“I have reflected on the meeting and the issues raised and have agreed to defer the decision on the implementation of parking charges until the challenges and concerns raised by the community can be fully considered.

“By working with the community to align the transport study with the Kington Market Town Investment Plan I’m optimistic we will reach a solution that will help deliver economic benefits.”