SHAFTESBURY residents will continue to subsidise free parking at Barton Hill after town councillors overwhelmingly rejected proposals to introduce charges.

By 11 votes to one, members agreed to keep the 74-space car park free, despite acknowledging that ratepayers will continue to underwrite its running costs for visitors, workers and residents alike.

It is reported that Cllr Piers Brown was the only member to oppose the decision at the meeting which took place last night (December 17).

Options included charging, introducing a permit system or absorbing the cost.

Councillors were presented with survey data from July showing 66% of users were visitors, 37% were Shaftesbury residents and 61% parked for work.

Concerns have been raised that charges could harm local facilities and trade, deter Lido users, affect community groups using the Silver Band Hall and push cars into nearby narrow streets.

Some have questioned whether residents should subsidise a facility largely used by non-locals, but for now the council has agreed that the benefits of free parking outweigh the costs.

Parking arrangements will be reviewed again as wider town-centre traffic plans develop.