LAUNCESTON’S Cornwall Councillors have succeeded in freezing the town’s car park charges for the third year running.

In a boost for the town centre, Cornwall Council announced that prices will remain as low as £1 for a full day’s parking.

The £1 all day Saturday charge was trialled when Liberal Democrat Cllr Jade Farrington, who represents Launceston South, convinced the then cabinet member that it would help local shoppers and businesses without damaging income.

The trial was a success, and Saturday parking has been £1 in the Walk House and Upper Cattle Market car parks ever since. Cllr Farrington then succeeded in getting a £2 all day rate introduced on weekdays in the Upper Cattle Market.

Liberal Democrat council leader Adam Paynter, who represents Launceston North and North Petherwin, said: “Our car parks provide a vital service to people in the town and the surrounding parishes who need to be able to access shops and businesses.

“I’m very clear that car parks are community services, not cash cows. When the Conservatives were in charge they hiked up prices, which hit local businesses and stopped people buying annual permits because they were far too expensive. Parking income helps fund things like road maintenance, but car parks are important services in their own right and local people should never be priced out.”

Parking is still free after 4pm and on Sundays, while permit prices have also been frozen, starting at £110 for an annual permit in the Race Hill car park on Fair Park Close.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Gemma Massey, who represents Launceston Central, said: “I work closely with Launceston Chamber of Commerce so I’m keenly aware of how important affordable parking is to our town centre businesses. When the £1 all day rate was first introduced, many shops saw a boost in their Saturday footfall. It’s vital that we keep charges low so they can continue to benefit and people can shop locally.”

Liberal Democrat Altarnun Cllr Adrian Parsons said it was great news for those who travel into Launceston from the rural communities.

“We need to do all we can to support our local shops and businesses and by keeping car parking charges low it will encourage more people into the town,” he added. “It’s great news that free evening parking is being extended to other towns too so people can go to the cinema or a concert elsewhere in Cornwall and not have to worry about parking charges.”