A SHROPSHIRE councillor says he is working with the authority to help provide cheaper parking for residents who are facing losing, or have lost, their jobs.

Councillor Paul Milner, who sits on both Shropshire and Oswestry Town Council, says a consultation period has begun for serious parking reductions at Shropshire's Beatrice Street and Oak Street car parks.

Cllr Milner informed Oswestry councillors of the move at their full town council meeting last Wednesday and believes it is vital for people who have no off-street parking and will be facing tighter control of their money to see price reductions, or be allowed to park outside their homes.

He said: "I have been working with [Steve Davenport] portfolio holder for highways to reduce the car parking fees charged by Shropshire Council at the old Morrisons car park and further reductions for residents who live within close proximity to both the old Morrisons and Oak Street car parks who wish to purchase annual permits.

"Shropshire Council has to consult on the changes and this is now taking place until Wednesday, October 7 with the aim of the new reduced fees coming into force during October 2020.

"Residents can take part in the construction by visiting the Shropshire Council website.

"I have been speaking to a lot of people who say they are losing their jobs because of Covid-19.

"The aims of reducing the fees are because the number of non-residents parking in residential areas within Oswestry is making it difficult for residents to park outside their own homes.

"The reduced car parking charges will hopefully encourage non-residents that park in residential areas to use either the Oak Street or the old Morrisons Car Parks so this will hopefully make it easier for residents to park outside their homes in residential areas.

"Also, we want to put in place much reduced fees for residents who live within close proximity of both, who wish to use either of these car parks."

Price changes including one hour moving from 70p to 30p; a maximum charge from £5.60 to £2.30 and a one-year resident permit dropping from £448 to £192, among others.