Motorists could be charged to park in Ruthin

Denbighshire Council is considering making visitors pay-and-display when they come into the town.

The scheme has angered local people who claim authority workers park for free nearby.

"It's a disgraceful thing to do with the town," said Peter Ryland who runs the Farmer Arms pub on Mwrog Street.

"The council took up a massive car park at Long Park and they don't pay.

I think it would really harm the town Simon Harris shop owner

"Businesses are closing here because of the restrictive parking and high rates.

"In the past five years I've seen my rates here go up from �800 to �3,500. The council are ruining Ruthin as a commercial centre."

However, a spokesman for the local authority said the scheme was only a proposal and may not go ahead.

He also admitted that council workers receive free parking in Ruthin but they are using waste land that belongs to them whilst they wait for a �15m headquarter to built.

Many shops have closed in Ruthin

Local resident Linda Littlewood said the car park charges would prevent her from coming into the town more often.

"It stops people strolling around and having a good look," she said.

"I tend to dash in to go to the bank and leave again."

Simon Harris from Harris' Sports and Toy shop in Ruthin said he would oppose any plans to introduce more charges.

"I think it would really harm the town," he said.

"They've already installed machines lower down the road and it would cripple us."