District councillors in Wotton have laid out their views on the introduction of car parking charges in the town.

Liberal Democrat and Green councillors have put forward their opinions during the consultation period for Stroud District Council’s proposed changes.

The councillors suggest the first two hours of parking should be free.

A spokesman said: “Providing free short-stay parking in Wotton will meet the needs of local shops and businesses – and stop trade being pushed away to other towns like Yate which have free parking.

“Two hours free parking will reduce the impact of charging on local residents, many of whom make shorter, more frequent trips to the shops.

They suggested this approach should be trialled for one year, to enable monitoring of the effect on the high street.

Other concerns including ensuring town centre residents were provided with reasonably priced permits and improving car park facilities although they did admit charges for parking could be beneficial.

A spokesman added: “Many visitors travelling by car are more influenced by the availability and convenience of parking rather than the cost, where the charges are modest.

“Charging will also allow tourists to contribute to the costs of car park maintenance - which otherwise will be met in full by local council tax payers.

“Charging for car parks is already in place across the District in Stonehouse, Painswick and Stroud, and has helped to manage parking in these busy centres.”

Stroud District Council’s consultation is open until Sunday, July 29.

To have your say visit stroud.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-travel/parking/stroud-district-car-parking-review.