Hard lobbying by Holsworthy Town Council, District Councillors Richard Brown and Pam Johns and above all by Holsworthy Rural Cou­nty Councillor Barry Parsons, supported by a 1,600 signature petition organised by the Chamber of Trade, has persuaded Devon County Council to change its mind about introducing parking charges into The Square.

An email from Cllr Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways and transportation, to Cllr Parsons confirmed that Holsworthy had been removed from the pay and display list.

The news has been widely welcomed both in the town and surrounding parishes. Holsworthy Mayor, Cllr Liz Squire said she was delighted as introducing paid parking in The Square would have had dreadful consequences for the economy of the town.

She paid tribute to Cllr Parsons: "We owe him a great deal for the hard work he has put in."

Beccy Johns, chairman of the Holsworthy Chamber of Trade said it was "tremendous news" and expressed her thanks to the whole community, including people in the surrounding parishes, for their support.