PLANS to introduce seasonal car parking charges in Bewdley and Stourport have been criticised by the council's opposition party over fears the changes will "put people off" visiting the towns.

Proposals going before Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet on Tuesday would see different charges introduced in Bewdley and Stourport, and the one hour free parking initiative currently available in five district car parks scrapped altogether from April 2020.

Wyre Forest Conservatives have responded with outrage at the proposals, saying the removal of one hour's free parking would have a "devastating effect" on local businesses.

Councillor Nathan Desmond said: "When we proposed changes to the free car parking offer which came into force in October 2017, we were very heavily criticised by the very same councillors now scrapping free car parking completely.

"We proposed the current scheme where in five car parks in the district you can currently park for free for one hour, and under the Progressive Alliance’s proposals this would go completely.

"One of the car parks is Comberton Place and I feel that this will have a devastating effect on the local traders on Comberton Hill.”

As well as reducing the price of a full season ticket from £703 to £400 and cutting the cost to park for between six and 24 hours, the council is also planning to charge more for car parks in Stourport and Bewdley between April and October, and increase the paid-for parking period to 9pm.

Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Marcus Hart, said: "The proposals to remove free car parking, introduce evening car parking charges and bring in a seasonal increase in prices for all car parks in Stourport and Bewdley are ill thought out, will be counterproductive and do nothing to regenerate our town centres.”

Cllr Hart added: "We would encourage businesses and residents to raise their concerns with the Progressive Alliance councillors."

Wyre Forest District Council was unavailable for comment, but corporate director for economic prosperity and place, Mike Parker, previously said: "The current schedule of charges is complex.

"These proposals aim to simplify the structure of charges and help local residents, visitors and businesses who pay to park in the council’s car parks by reducing or freezing charges.”