HOPES are high that a plan to abolish free parking in Bromyard has been abandoned.

Nearly 1,000 angry Bromyard residents signed a petition protesting against the possible removal of free town car parking.

County councillor Peter Dauncey organised the petition after being warned about the plan by a Herefordshire Council member.

Town mayor Pearl Briggs had earlier criticised the plan. "We can't have people thinking 'why not go to Hereford and pay for parking there?'"

But following a meeting between county councillors and Coun Mike Wilson, cabinet member for highways and transportation, to discuss plans for parking across the county, Coun Dauncey said Bromyard would keep its free parking.

"I'm very, very pleased that the cabinet member and his officers have seen reason.

"He was aware of the huge upset in Bromyard."

That means the two remaining free car parks in Bromyard - behind the Hop Pole Inn and beside the town council offices - will still be free to use.

Coun Peter Dauncey added that free on-street parking in Broad Street, which currently lasts 30 minutes, is on the verge of being extended to one hour.

He said the change, being officially advertised in October, could be introduced before Christmas.