Cuts in parking fees to boost footfall at Rugeley shops

St Joseph's Church car park in Rugeley will offer cheaper parking as part of a year-long trial.

It comes after calls from Rugeley Traders Association, which has been in talks with the council to try and help the high street.

Charges will be cut from £1.60 for two hours to £1.10.

New signs and a new ticket machine have now been put in place. The new charges bring the Lichfield Road car park in line with the rooftop car park at Market Hall.

Regeneration boss Diane Todd said: "Rugeley is a thriving town centre but following concerns from the Traders Association regarding parking charges, we felt this trial was essential to bring extra shoppers into Rugeley."

If it proves successful, the reduced parking charges could be extended.

It comes just days after council chiefs said they would look at plans to introduce free parking after 3pm on weekdays at local authority-run sites across Cannock Chase.

Council leader George Adamson said he would look into the possibility and a report would be prepared for cabinet. This was in response to a question from the Liberal Democrat leader

Danny Davies who said the move would encourage more shoppers to come into the town.

Chris Green, chairman of the Rugeley Traders' Association, said: "I don't want to be negative, it's a step in the right direction, but I don't think it goes anywhere near far enough. With the arrival of Tesco in the town, which is not far away, the council needs to do a lot more to help small traders in the town.

"Morrisons' car park is rammed on a Sunday, when it is free, but relatively empty on a Saturday which shows that people are changing their shopping habits depending on the availability of free parking.

"To be honest, there is no need for a Tesco in Rugeley. There's one in Hednesford, Lichfield, and Chasetown, we don't need one here. But since, it's coming, we badly need more help from the council."