THE prospect of parking meters in Holsworthy's Square loomed after Devon County Council recently announced plans to end free on-street parking in all market and coastal towns in the county after local

consultation.

It claimed that short-term parking would be less open to abuse and that the money raised would be used to improve public transport.

At last week's Holsworthy Town Council meeting, councillors gave a firm 'No' to the idea and announced their intention to fight to prevent what Cllr Pam Johns said would 'sound the death knell of Holsworthy'

She said the Chamber of Trade were hugely concerned since, at a time when shops were struggling, people would be driven away.

The Square provided the only free parking in the town centre and its removal would bring real hardship.

The council agreed to a proposal from Cllr Richard Brown that a letter be sent to Lester Wilmington, DCC highway engineer, registering their disquiet and that Geoffrey Cox MP be informed.