AN economic regeneration programme costing millions of pounds could be set back in 'fragile' Leominster if its free parking is scrapped, civic leaders fear.

The introduction of car park fees in both Leominster and Kington - the only towns in the county enjoying free parking - could be back on the cards despite massive opposition.

Leominster responded with a petition of more than 7,000 names when charges were mooted last year.

Now a county council working group is taking a fresh look at countywide charges. Leominster and Kington county councillors have been asked to attend a briefing early next month.

Leominster fishmonger Denise Pugh who spearheaded last year's protests predicted the town would again be in uproar if a new move was made to introduce ticket machines at Leominster's free car parks.

"No way!" said Miss Pugh. "Do they want to kill Leominster?"

Town and county councillor June French, another leading opponent, said: "Leominster has clearly spoken on this issue. The town is still fragile. All the regeneration work could be undone if we lose free parking."

At Leominster Town Council on Monday members said they would hold county council chief Terry James, of Kington, to account. They claimed he gave a public pledge that there would be no parking charges while he was leader. Councillor James told The Hereford Times: "I said I would oppose it while I was leader. I don't have the final say. It won't be decided by the leader and the cabinet, but by all the members of the council."