OPPONENTS to the introduction of parking charges in Leominster and Kington could learn this week if they have a new battle on their hands.

A group of county councillors representing the area were yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at a briefing meeting on the issue with council And tonight, Thursday, county transportation manager John Colyer is to give a public presentation in Leominster on 'A county-wide Parking Strategy'.

Opponents, who are to attend the meeting, hope that council thinking on controversial proposals for ticket machines at car parks will be made clear, one way or the other.

Leominster and Kington are the only towns in the county enjoying free parking. The two towns defend the perk as a great bonus for trade. But, elsewhere, others are jealous.

June French, Herefordshire councillor for Leominster, speaking on Tuesday, said she feared some degree of pay-for parking could be on the cards.

She said she was worried Leominster could lose its all-free parking - 'a unique selling point'. Tonight's public meeting, the Leominster Local Area Forum, is at the Lion Ballroom at 7pm.