A HEREFORDSHIRE town has expressed its anger at proposed new parking charges.

More than 100 people attended the meeting at the Burton Hotel in Kington organised by the town council and the town's chamber of trade.

Herefordshire Council's head of transport Coun John Harrington told the town council last month it intended to introduce the charges in all of Kington’s car parks from April 1.

Under the new proposals, parking in the town’s largest car park, off High Street, will cost 80p an hour, or £4 all day. The car park on Market Hall Street would charge 50p an hour, or £2 all day, and the Love Lane car park would charge £1 all day.

The charges at the Mill Street car park will remain at 50p an hour or £2 all day.

Representatives from the council were questioned by the public about the lack of public consultation, and the costs involved in setting up the scheme, at a public meeting on Wednesday (March 2).

Residents were angry at the proposals, with many pointing out that with the lack of parking provision for town centre homes, they have no choice but to use council car parks.

Concerns were also raised by business owners about how the plans will affect footfall in the town at a time when a recovery is most needed.

Coun John Harrington said that he would reflect on the issues raised and report back to the town council.