BOROUGH-WIDE parking charges should be delayed in Northwich for two years, a councillor has said.

Cllr Sam Naylor, Cheshire West and Chester Council ward member for Winnington and Castle, told the Guardian that introducing parking charges in Northwich could deter people from visiting the town.

He said this is amplified by all of the regeneration work that is currently going on around the town centre.

“Everything has combined to create the perfect storm to keep people away from Northwich,” Cllr Naylor said.

“The last thing we want to do it to deter people because of your introducing car parking charges.

“Borough councillors, town councillors, local businesses, we’re all talking as one voice. We’ve got to give Northwich a chance.”

Cllr Naylor said that borough, local councillors and businesses representatives have asked during public consultations that car parking charges could be held off on Northwich for two years.

They also suggested that if any borough-wide parking charges scheme is implemented, a minimum of three free hours should be applied.

He said a number of ideas have been suggested during the consultations, including the use of electronic signs dotted around the town to direct visitors to available parking spaces.

A scheme involving discount if you purchase items at selected retailers has also been mooted.

Cllr Naylor said: “If we do get them, it should be at least three hours free parking, and I think we’ll get that.

“We’ve also asked if they can delay it for a couple of years so Northwich can find its feet again.”

This week the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) revealed it has written to council leaders in Cheshire asking them to consider introducing a free car parking scheme similar to the one introduced by Rochdale Council.

Rochdale’s scheme, introduced last May, allows motorists to park for the first three hours free, anything longer requiring payment.

The scheme has boosted footfall at participating town centres in the borough by around a third.

Simon Edmondson, FSB Regional chairman for Manchester and North Cheshire, said: “We have now wrote to all councils in Greater Manchester and Cheshire asking they take a closer look at Rochdale’s bold lead.

“While I totally understand local authority budgets are being squeezed, I would say there’s an economic argument that vibrant town centres attract new businesses to the area, encourage local spending, create jobs, and ultimately have a snow ball effect on regeneration.”