CARDIGAN Town Centre Partnership is looking into the possibility of hiring out Quay Street car park in the town to provide free parking for one day a week.

Initial research has been carried out and a day rate as to cost has been provided but details of whether car park owners Ceredigion County Council would allow the scheme have yet to be finalised.

Traders have long argued that the cost of parking in Cardigan at the county council-run car parks has a big impact on footfall in the town and deters visitors.

Parking is cheaper in Pembrokeshire, while Carmarthenshire County Council is currently trialling free parking during certain periods at towns across its area in a bid to encourage shoppers to return to the high street and reinvigorate town centres.

Free parking is currently available at Newcastle Emlyn from Monday to Wednesdays, from 10am-2pm.

Cardigan Town Centre Partnership is keen to conduct similar trials in the town but to implement the Quay Street plan it would need shops, pubs, banks, charities etc to cover a share of the costs - roughly £5 per week if every business was on-board.

However it is also aware the system could be open to abuse - not all businesses would participate and yet would still benefit.

Shop staff could also use the free parking spaces, which negates the whole point.

The scheme would also need time to be promoted properly, so initially it could be of little benefit.

People can send their thoughts and ideas on the plan to clive@4cg.org.uk