A PROPOSAL to introduce car parking charges for Sundays and bank holidays in Malmesbury has infuriated councillors and traders.

They fear it would have a detrimental impact on trade.

Despite a previous consultation being rejected, Wiltshire Council has announced another look at introducing the charges.

The authority owns Malmesbury’s two main car park at Station Yard and the Cross Hayes in the town centre.

Back in the autumn 2017, it consulted on increasing and changing car park changes.

Charges were increased in February for Wiltshire Council owned car parks in the town and across the county.

Malmesbury Town Council backed the increase in the charging structure, supported by 65 per cent of all responses.

They did object to the introduction of any charges on Sunday or Bank Holidays, as did Corsham, Devizes and Malborough town councils.

Recently, Wiltshire Council announced another consultation to discuss a change of charges.

If approved by the cabinet, charges could be introduced as early as August 1.

Malmesbury mayor Fran Vandelli has sent a letter to strongly object while town councillor Gavin Grant labelled the potential changes as ‘foolish’.

He said: “Many of our town centre residents have nowhere to park near their homes.

“Now they faced being taxed to do so as will much needed visitors.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We work in partnership with many towns who fund free parking opportunities and shopper redemption schemes.

"We would be pleased to discuss any of these arrangements with town councils.

"Off-street car park funding also supports vital services.

"Any charges must recognise all the benefits provided by our parking facilities.”