More than 20 meters were introduced in Ludlow, Shropshire, last month despite concerns from residents and retailers that trade would be affected.

Phillip Dunne, Conservative MP for Ludlow, said 15 of the meters failed to work and charges have been suspended.

Retailers said trade had reduced and welcomed the month-long suspension.

Shropshire County Council will reinstate the charges on 14 January.

Ludlow is a beautiful town but is built on a mediaeval footprint MP Phillip Dunne

Mr Dunne told BBC News that parking is a problem in the historic town, with only limited off-street availability.

The meters were to be installed in October but "technical problems" delayed the scheme until 20 November.

"For traders, Christmas is their busiest time so to try and introduce a parking scheme in the run up to that time was always going to be challenging," he said.

"Parking is a problem. Ludlow is a beautiful town but is built on a mediaeval footprint.

"The meters are quite high-tech as they are solar powered which is good but more than two thirds of them had a fault which saw them failing to produce enough energy.

Recoup losses

"They gave the wrong readings and in the end the councillors were asked to come down and have a look and they decided to get the meters fixed and suspended the charges until next year."

He added that traders reported a sales increase in nearby Shrewsbury but a reduction in Ludlow.

Retailers claimed that in some cases takings were down by as much as 60%.

Janette Rowland, who runs the Chocolate Gourmet shop, said she was grateful action has now been taken, but added she could not recoup losses.