CHESHIRE East Council says it is reviewing its parking charges to see how it can better support local towns and businesses.

Cheshire East will consult with key stakeholders over proposals for an affordable and attractive parking policy but the council states that the focus will be on its ‘key towns’ which does not include Middlewich.

Clr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We will focus on our key towns of Crewe, Nantwich, Macclesfield, Knutsford and Congleton as a starting point for consultation.

“We know that car parks aren’t free as we have to maintain them and we need to operate on a full-cost-recovery basis.”

A report setting out the outcome of the conversations with local businesses and a set of key recommendations will be put before the Council’s Cabinet for consideration on Tuesday, November 11.

Clr Jones added: “We wish to set charges for parking which reflect local pressures and needs.

“The Council should also look to make car parking charges cost neutral and no longer fund our services.”

“Parking policy needs to reflect the needs of different areas and help bring more people into Cheshire East to spend money and boost the local economy.

“However, we recognise that each of our towns is unique and so we are not advocating harmonisation of charges across Cheshire East.”