SHROPSHIRE Council's decision to not keep free parking in the town is an ‘abomination’, according to a former Wem mayor.

The council is expected to confirm that Wem will be in band 6 for town car park charges at its Cabinet meeting next Wednesday after being asked to review costs.

Pauline Dee, who is a former Shropshire councillor, says its rejection is a blow to the town, meaning parking will be introduced on Sundays, and says she has not been given figures on how much revenue it will bring in.

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And she hit out at the council’s decision to not row back on the decision to introduce charges.

She said: “I know the council has considerable budget problems but to increase car parking charges in this small market town is an abomination and has not been thought through.” 

She added: “I am really concerned that Shropshire Council is still going to introduce a parking fee on Sundays and, I presume, Bank holidays.  

“So those of us who attend church will be penalised.  

“Wem does not have an attraction for tourists except for the Annual Sweet Pea show and the Carnival.  

“These are the only times that the main car park is full.  

“In my original email, I asked for the figures as to how much revenue was collected from the car park machines or payment by card and also how much it will cost to hire the traffic warden for Sundays and Bank Holidays.  

“I have not received these figures.

“More and more people are using the side streets to park which has had an impact on town centre residents who have difficulty parking close to their homes.  

“This will have an effect on their car insurance.

“Wem should never have been included originally as a town which should pay to park.  

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“Does Shropshire Council not take into consideration the limitations of the town in attracting tourists and its closeness to out of town shops in Shrewsbury and Whitchurch?”

Mrs Dee added that the town will be represented by its independent councillor Edward Towers who will be asking a question at the meeting.

Shropshire Council is also expected to approve a number of other changes to parking in Shrewsbury.