THIS week the Cornish & Devon Post made an impassioned plea to the newly-elected Conservative-led Cornwall Council to extend free parking in their car parks across North Cornwall.

The current measure, introduced by the previous Liberal Democrat administration, has proved a great success in attracting people to return to the high street after the end of the third lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it is due to end next Monday, May 17, when normal car parking charges will return.

We appreciate that councils have been badly hit financially by the pandemic, despite the funding they have received from the Government to help deal with the crisis, and that car parking revenue is an important source of regular income for them.

However, high street shops and businesses are only just starting to recover from the significant losses they have made, and every encouragement that people can be given to venture out and start using their local shops more must be supported.

The free car parking being offered in Launceston, for example, seems to have so far been a big benefit to traders.

At times it has been difficult to find a car parking space in Race Hill car park, which for businesses shows signs of encouragement.

Businesses have been able to mention the free parking on offer in their adverts enticing customers back to the high street again.

As COVID restrictions start to ease even further, even an extension of free car parking for just a few months – maybe until September – will give businesses an extra helping hand and boost the local economy as it gets back on its feet after a very tough and depressing past 14 months.

JOIN US in our campaign by contacting your local councillors.

You can also email us here at the Cornish and Devon Post at [email protected] or write to us at Tindle House, Westgate Street, Launceston PL15 7AL

Hopefully, together we can make a difference.

Pick up this week’s Post to read some of the initial reaction to the campaign.