Conservative Councillors have issued a final plea to the Liberal Democrat Cabinet to ditch plans to introduce car parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

The Liberal Democrats who control Bath and North East Somerset Council were proposing to introduce parking charges at car parks in Midsomer Norton and Radstock as part of its budget plans, due to be decided this Thursday.

Cllr Michael Evans, B&NES Conservative ward member for Midsomer Norton North, said: “This Thursday, Cabinet will decide whether or not to proceed with plans that, ultimately, will have a catastrophic effect on Midsomer Norton’s high street.

“Today we are urging them to recognise the strength of feeling among local people and ditch the proposed parking charges. As a Council we should be supporting local businesses, not hurting them by forcing people to shop elsewhere.”

Cllr Chris Watt, B&NES Conservative Councillor for Midsomer Norton Redfield, said: “The Liberal Democrats need to understand the damage these proposed parking charges could have on the local economy.

“As Conservatives, we recognise the needs of local businesses and are perplexed that such plans were even considered in the first place.

“I sincerely hope Cabinet does the right thing on Thursday night and scraps the plans with immediate effect.”

The Lib Dem administration says the proposals will save the council £75,000 over two years.

In order to bridge the funding gap created by scrapping the parking charges, the Conservative Group has proposed ditching the plans to limit vehicular access into Bath city centre, which are due to cost the Council an eyewatering £128,000 this year.

The Cabinet meeting will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday, 10th February. It can be viewed live on the Council’s YouTube channel.