CARS parked in Bromyard town centre will be able to stay for an extra half an hour if a new road traffic order is approved.

The draft order, being drawn up by Herefordshire Council, will increase waiting times for vehicles parked in the town centre from half an hour to an hour and will apply to vehicles parked along roads such as Broad Street, High Street, The Square and Cruxwell Street.

Shopkeeper Peter Gilbert, of Gilbert's grocery and hardware store, said he was pleased by the decision.

"The previous waiting time of half an hour wasn't long enough for people to do their shopping in the town," he said.

"Now people can take their time and do all their shopping in one go along the main streets."

Other proposed changes will include prohibiting vehicles from parking at any time along lengths of New Road and Church Street.

Two disabled parking bays will be created, one in Broad Street, one in High Street on areas previously covered by double yellow lines.

It is also proposed to include Rowberry Street in the residents' parking permit scheme, which already covers Cruxwell Street and Church Street.

There will now be a public consultation until November 18. If no objections are received, the changes should go ahead in the New Year.

Copies of the new draft order will be available at the Bromyard Centre.