GAZETTE & HERALD: TRADERS and councillors in Corsham are furious that their views have been ignored by a working party set up to decide on car parking charges in north Wiltshire.

Jock Fraser, chairman of Corsham Town Council, said he was disappointed only one of their suggestions had been taken on board.

Parking at the Springfield Centre will remain free after pleas from councillors.

They also asked for the maximum parking period in the High Street car park to remain long term, but the working group doesn't support the idea, nor a suggestion for free parking after noon on Saturday's.

"We really need at least some of the money to be ringfenced to create more parking space," Coun Fraser said.

"Car parking is one of those things people stop me in the street to talk about.

"They think there is already a

problem and we have 640 odd new houses being built.

"If we want businesses to succeed and people to accept paying more to park, we have to create more space."

Martin Short, chairman of

Chippenham Chamber of Commerce, said: "I am very disappointed that the working group of North Wiltshire District Council has not taken on board the suggestions and proposals put forward by the chamber.

"We had a series of meetings with the council and councillors appeared to be sympathetic to the concerns we expressed but they haven't taken note of them.

"The Chamber of Commerce will continue to lobby the councillors until they see sense.

"It's certainly not the end of the road," Mr Short added.

The new charges will mean parking at High Street, Post Office Lane will cost £1 for two hours and £2 for four hours.

The working group's report is expected to be put before the Executive for ratification on June 16.