The Labour administration has defended its view on charges

It has come under fire for "pre-judging" the issue by ruling out the possibility of paying to park.

Critics claim this could put off private developers who are seen as vital to kick-start the regeneration of Dumfries town centre.

The ruling Labour group said the issue was a "red herring" which would have no impact on upgrading the area.

Criticism of the council's stance has come from SNP opposition councillor Robert Higgins, who said: "I think it is very ill-timed.

"I don't think it has been fully considered.

"It may well put off developers and that is a real fear that I have got."

Everybody knows how important it is to regenerate Dumfries town centre and that is why suggestions of parking charges must be kicked into touch Russell Brown MP

Council leader, Labour's Tommy Sloan, dismissed the claims and said ruling out parking charges would have no effect.

"Regeneration of Dumfries town centre will go ahead regardless of whether there are car parking charges or not," he said.

He has been supported by Labour MP for Dumfries and Galloway Russell Brown.

"Last year thousands of people signed a petition I raised showing that they completely opposed parking charges," he said.

"Everybody knows how important it is to regenerate Dumfries town centre and that is why suggestions of parking charges must be kicked into touch."