CAR parking charges are going up across Herefordshire just as the Christmas shopping season gets underway.

In Bromyard, Ledbury, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye and Kington, charges are broadly going up by 10 to 20p.

In Hereford city, prices are going up in Bath Street, the Bus Station, Garrick Multi-Storey, Greyfriars, May-lord Orchards, Merton Meadow, St Martins, Town Hall, Union Walk, Venns Close, and Wye Street.

When the increases come into force on November 19, with the exception of the Merton Meadow, it will cost at least £4.70 to park for four hours or more elsewhere in Hereford from Monday to Saturday.

Most short stay car parks will continue to charge £1 for up to an hour’s stay, but season tickets are going up from £520 a year to £705.

Herefordshire Council said the revised changes, agreed following consultation with the town councils, are being implemented because of “ongoing budget challenges” caused by demographic pressures, reductions in central Government funding and the council’s continuing commitment to look after the county’s most vulnerable citizens.