Leominster traders could hang on to their coveted 'All Free Parking' marketing slogan for another year if county council chiefs agree to do a deal, writes PETE BLENCH.

The cabinet recently ruled that Leominster's first parking ticket machines would be installed at one of the town's car parks this summer - despite a torrent of opposition.

Newly galvanised by the economic blow of the Sydonia Swimming Pool shock closure, Leominster Town Council is now poised to step in with a cash offer to 'pay off' the county over parking.

Councillor June French, who is proposing the move, said the town council had already budgeted for a rainy day - it has enough cash in its coffers to do a deal.

She said the town was in a position to cover 'lost' revenue at the central area car park for year one - without raising its share of Council Tax for the time being - if the charges plan was put on hold.

Said Mrs French: "This is more important than ever following the closure of Sydonia.

"Trade will undoubtedly suffer a setback - we have been hearing from regular swimmers are being forced to use pools in other towns where they will also use the shops and cafes."

A deal on parking - which could involve a £20,000 pay off to the county - would give the town a breathing space in which it could continue to advertise free parking among its attractions.

The arrangement would be reviewed after a year. The town council is to firm up its position at its general purposes committee meeting next Tuesday.