A petition containing 1,300 names has forced Herefordshire Council to rethink its parking strategy for Ledbury.

The petition, handed in this week by High Street antiques dealer John Nash, calls for a review of the current 45-minute parking restrictions in the High Street,.

It claims that "over zealous traffic wardens" are driving away trade by rigidly enforcing the established regulations.

Mr Nash wants to see the waiting times extended for shoppers and a letter to this effect accompanied the petition.

Mick Morris, Herefordshire Council's car parks officer, said: "I would think that with that number of signatures on the petition, we'll give it serious thought. Any restrictions can be altered either way."

Even if the petition fails to get a change to the parking restrictions, changes could be brought in simply at the request of the town council.

Coun Chris Grover, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for the environment, said: "Changing restrictions is no problem. Herefordshire Council doesn't wish to determine how long people should be able to park in Ledbury. It should be determined by the town council."

The town council is to invite both Mr Morris and Coun Grover to a meeting.

Mr Nash said: "This is what most people wanted who signed the petition. It's common sense that 45 minutes is not long enough for parking in the main street."