Parking charges in Worcester are being slashed after councillors voted it through last night.

From January motorists will be able to find a new 40p rate for half an hour in council owned sites, while after 7pm a new flat rate of £1 is being introduced.

The other major change is at St Martins Gate, where all-day parking will be £3.60 compared to £6 now.

During a fierce debate of the full council, Councillor Simon Geraghty, the leader, said it was "the right step to help businesses, boost retailers and entice more people into the city."

The Labour group had called for the first hour to be free at St Martins Gate but it was rejected on the grounds it would mean anywhere from £200,000-£800,000 lost revenue.

The new charges were approved unanimously.