CAR parking charges are to be introduced on one of the busiest roads within walking distance of the town centre.

At present there is limited-time free parking on Fonnereau Road stretching beside Christchurch Park from the Bethesda Church.

However, in October pay and display parking machines are to be installed in an attempt to boost the borough’s car parking receipts.

Borough councillor with responsibility for transport Phil Smart said: “We are introducing these charges because our account with the county council for enforcement of on-street parking is in deficit and we need to raise more money.

“We tried to find another solution, but the county was keen for us to raise more money and we had to do this.”

While the need to raise money was central to the decision, it would also mean it should be easier to find parking spaces near the town centre.

“At present people drive around there for ages looking for spaces – there should be more spaces now,” added Mr Smart.

Opposition leader John Carnall said his group were opposed to the charges.

He said: “This is not a good move when shops in the town need all the business they can get.

“If there is a deficit with the parking account the council should be looking at cutting costs, not putting on new charges.”

Mr Carnall feared that parents who parked in Soane Street to collect children from St Margaret’s school would be particularly hard hit.

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