Blow for Chippenham traders as parking charge plans are rejected

Parking charges look set to remain high in Chippenham after the council refused to back down on plans to keep prices raised.

Traders got together to urge the council to reduce charges in town, saying it was affecting business.

The meeting, which was held in Salisbury saw member of the local chamber of commerce, and business owners plea with officials to reconsider charges.

The cost of parking in Chippenham went up this year to £1.10 for the first hour, up from 50p. 

But the pleas were met with soft measures. Instead of the free first half an hour that was called for, councillors agreed to knock just 10p off the first hour in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury. Other towns will not see any reduction.

They will also take 20 per cent off the price of season tickets and residents' permits across the county.

The decision will be in place for on and off-street parking until 2014 although it's likely that Chippenham's trader will continue to fight against the charges.

Councillors dismissed claims that the charges were affecting trade. What do you think? Is our failing high street down to the charges? It looks as though for now, at least, the debate will rage on.