THE DISTRICT council has agreed to make changes to parking restrictions in key parts of Malvern to help boost trade.
The executive committee approved proposals tabled last week to benefit visitors to Barnards Green and Upton upon Severn.
As a result the car park on Geraldine Road will be extended to a medium stay with motorists able to park for up to four hours for £2.
Coun Melanie Baker, who represents the Chase, said: “Traders contacted me recently to say the current times are too restrictive.
“These changes will give people much improved parking options, it well allow them to linger for longer to have their hair done or buy a sandwich.”
Further amendments will see drivers who have purchased a parking ‘season ticket’ now able to use New Street car park in Upton upon Severn.
But the benefit may be limited to the autumn and winter months to allow plenty of spaces in the town for the summer tourist season.
In a further boost for Upton the tariff for parking a HGV at Hanley Road is set to be reduced back down to £7 from £10.
The price was raised in 2012 but sales of the tickets have been in steady decline and traders have warned the hike was affecting the town’s night time economy.
Kempsey councillor David Harrison welcomed the changes despite admitting he was in favour of raising the tariff in the first place and called for Worcestershire County Council to include Hanley Road on its list of HGV car parks to encourage people to the area.
The proposals were agreed unanimously by the committee.
Coun Paul Swinburn, deputy leader of the council, added: “Ward members have worked very hard with traders. This is exactly what they should be doing, not only identifying a problem but finding a solution. This is a ‘win win’ with no losers.”
