ELDERLY and disabled folk can still park for free in Bromsgrove after district councillors had a change of heart.

Plans to introduce a Smart Card scheme, which would place a limited time on when pensioners and disabled residents can park for free in the town, was put on hold for six months by Bromsgrove District Council's policy and resources committee.

At last Thursday's meeting members also agreed to scrap proposals to charge 50p for cars to park overnight but slapped a 10p increase on all daytime parking charges.

The period when a ticket is needed was also extended by two hours so parking charges will apply from 8am to 7pm instead of 8am to 5pm.

Cllr Teri Matthews (Con, Furlongs) said she had received objections from disabled residents who complained they would have to walk to the Smart Card machine and back to their cars.

Council leader Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said he had met with town traders and heard their plans to intro-duce Sunday shopping.

He felt charges for Sunday parking would hinder these plans but added drivers would still have to pay to park in the town on Bank Holidays -- rules which have always applied.

Cllr Peter McDonald (Con, Uffdown and Waseley) pointed out at Merry Hill, the town's main competitor, parking was free.