HOPES have been raised that a new scheme to deal with parking problems near Wrexham town centre could set a precedent for the rest of the area.

A residents-only parking initiative is being introduced on Vernon Street in Rhosddu from July 27 to allow external refurbishment work to be carried out on houses.

It means that people who don’t live on the street will be banned from parking there throughout the day following complaints of cars being left there by shoppers and workers in the town.

Councillor Marc Jones, who represents the Grosvenor ward, said it had made it difficult for the elderly and disabled to park outside their homes, as well as families.

The Plaid Cymru politician sits on a cross-party group set up to look into the problem, which has currently paused its work to see whether the permit-based trial works.

While Wrexham Council has stressed it is only a temporary measure, Cllr Jones said he was optimistic it would serve as a permanent blueprint for the whole county borough.

He said: “The scheme is being seen as a trial for a longer-term residents’ parking scheme for Vernon Street and other streets in Rhosddu and elsewhere in Wrexham that have problems with non-residents parking there all day.

“There are many residents who are elderly, disabled or have young children that find it difficult to find a parking space in the street at certain times of day because it’s being used as a free car park by some people working in town.

“A task and finish group of councillors is still examining the idea of residents’ parking schemes in similar streets and will be looking at the experience in Vernon Street as things develop.

“I’m hoping that this trial works and that the council will press ahead with a permanent and affordable scheme for all areas that want them.”

Cllr Jones added that access to Vernon Street for the duration of the scheme will be via Gerald Street with the exit on Rhosddu Road.

The scheme is expected to remain in place for several months and will not impact on deliveries or people visiting properties on the street.

Following the councillor’s comments, the local authority released a statement to deny that the trial is being seen as a dummy run for other locations.

A spokesperson said: “The current restricted access to Vernon Street is to allow for access to residents and works vehicles whilst extensive housing renewal works take place in the area.

“This is not a trial for any longer-term residents’ parking scheme for Vernon Street or anywhere else in the county borough.”

Any residents who have yet to apply for a temporary permit are asked to contact the council’s housing team on 01978 315584.