A PROPOSAL to introduce car parking charges in Ludgershall's main car park has been described as 'abominable' by district councillor Ken Beard and could cause 'huge congestion' says the area's county councillor.

Mr Beard is to lobby fellow council members to oppose the idea before it is discussed by the community development committee on Tuesday.

Environment and amenity services manager Mark Smith said introducing charges in Pewsey and Ludgershall will bring in £19,000 a year.

In making this calculation he assumes Ludgershall will be used by five long-stay parkers and 85 short stay drivers a day.

"The concept of 'free parking' is a misnomer as parking is subsidised by all taxpayers as opposed to actual users of the car park," said Mr Smith in his report.

But Mr Beard thought the idea was more bad news for the whole village.

"They are already going to save a lot of money when they stop maintaining the toilets," he said.

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