A MOVE to increase tourism and trade in Tenbury by matching car-parking prices in Ludlow has been turned down by Malvern Hills district councillors.

Councillor George Price, who put forward the proposal to encourage people to stay longer in the town, has expressed his frustration at the decision.

"I am very disappointed by the executive committee decision not to implement my proposal to reduce car parking charges in Tenbury."

"I am afraid this will only add to the perception held by some people that Malvern councillors and officers have little understanding of the needs and issues in Tenbury," he said

Coun Price made the proposal after becoming aware that cheaper car parking was available in Ludlow.

"Our nearest competitor town is Ludlow and it costs 40p more to park in Tenbury for three hours than in Ludlow. Only a small percentage of people stay in the Teme Street car park for three hours and if we could increase the number of people staying for longer we could provide a boost to trade, as well as increasing the number of visitors to the town."

However officers at the council were concerned the financial impact of a one-year trial could be to reduce income to the council by up to £6,465.

Ivor Pumfrey, head of environmental services, said: "There is no evidence to support the view of Coun Price that benchmarking of charges to Ludlow will stimulate an increase in visitors to Tenbury.

"Applying the difference in tariffs to these ticket sales would see an annual reduction in income of £5,100. The District Council already has a price increase agreed which will come into effect on April 1, 2006. This will increase the cost of the proposed trial by a further £1,365."

Mr Pumfrey was also concerned that creating inequalities across the district could lead to criticism from users of other car parks.

"At present, while the maximum parking period varies amongst the district council's car parks, the tariffs applied are the same in each case," Mr Pumfrey said. "A variation to the tariff in Tenbury would create a disparity that currently does not exist. This would very likely lead to complaints from users of council car parks in Upton and Malvern."