PRESSURE is being exerted to provide more free parking spaces in Launceston's Square and to put in place a 10p charge for the first 20 minutes of parking in the nearby multi-storey car park.

The move follows concern among members of Launceston Chamber of Commerce about the "lack of free parking."

The changes would, it is believed, help to give the town a shot in the arm during the current

difficult economic times.

The chamber says there have been "mixed views" from both the public and business sectors following the pedestrianisation of the Square.

The minutes of the Chamber meeting on May 10 record that this "sparked a lively discussion," which threw up the following salient points:

Members present were in favour of the Square staying as a pedestrian only zone;

The Mayor, Cllr Paul O'Brien, was working hard to implement a 10p charge for the first 20 minutes in the multi-storey car park;

All agreed that enforcement was the key as many drivers flaunted the rules and overstayed the limits in the bays that were present, although Cornwall Council was in the process of employing more enforcement officers;

The taxi rank could be re-located to another area which would also improve safety;

And a reduction in the number of loading bays and turning them into free parking could potentially add seven new spaces.

Mr Mark Sismore, the Chamber chairman, says they discussed possibilities of improving the Square without spending too much money due to the economic crisis at present.

They had drawn up the list of possible improvements to conquer this ongoing problem but also to improve safety and enable Cornwall council, Launceston 2020 and Forum to be on the same page as the local traders, within our historic but failing town.

See this week's 'Post' for a full report.