A DECISION on whether to introduce parking charges in Devizes Market Place has been deferred.

Kennet District Council met on Tuesday to consider the feedback to the public notice to introduce a charge of 30p for 30 minutes in the 57 spaces where parking is free.

There were 35 letters objecting including from the town council and chamber of commerce.

Coun Jeff Ody proposed rejecting charges but didn't get support.

He said: "The response from the public was impressive and exclusively negative. Introducing charges could be terminal for some traders."

Coun Margaret Taylor said: "This is a money raising effort. The spaces are popular because they are free. Charging 60p an hour will drive people away."

Coun Marion Hannaford proposed deferring a decision until the committee had completed a strategic review of car parking in Kennet. This was agreed.