CORNWALL Council's cabinet member for parking has promised Launceston's season tickets will remain at £200 instead of rising to £500 after he was challenged by one of the town's councillors. 

Cllr Bert Biscoe, cabinet member for highways and transportation, told Cornwall Council's full council meeting on Tuesday, July 9 that he would also press ahead with the promised trials of cheaper pay and display prices. 

Cllr Jade Farrington, who represents Launceston South, said: "People are rightly very concerned about the parking charges which are crippling our towns.

"Despite being in opposition during the last administration, the Liberal Democrats managed to get a budget passed which included £1.2 million for trials to cut parking charges. I was disappointed nothing seems to have happened, so I challenged Councillor Biscoe to act."

In a written question, Cllr Farrington asked: "Could the cabinet member for highways please explain what action has been taken to implement the council's budget decision to underwrite trials in reducing parking charges and whether any of these trials are planned to take place in Launceston?"

Cllr Biscoe replied that the cut to season ticket prices in Launceston would be retained, but failed to mention pay and display tickets. 

In her supplementary question, Cllr Farrington said the case for lower season ticket prices had already been made and asked that lower pay and display prices should also be trialled as budgeted for. Cllr Biscoe confirmed trials would go ahead across Cornwall in the next round of changes.

Cllr Farrington said: "I was pleased to secure this promise as local people repeatedly tell me parking charges are one of their biggest concerns.

"I want to see this town thrive, and that means Cornwall Council accepting that it exists to serve local people and businesses, not milk them for all it can."

"Cllr Biscoe has emphasised the importance of people responding to the upcoming consultation. People often complain that Cornwall Council doesn't listen, but if local residents don't respond to consultations then it has nothing to listen to.

"When the consultation is issued I'll make sure I post a link on my blog at http://www.facebook.com/JadeFarringtonLaunceston">www.facebook.com/JadeFarringtonLaunceston. Please take the time to respond to it so we can secure the best deal for our town."