AN increase in car park charges and more free spaces in Chepstow and Monmouth will be discussed next week.

The proposals have been put forward as part of a review of car parks operated by Monmouthshire County Council.

Also among the changes to be discussed by the council's economy and development select committee are charging for parking on Sundays and a 33 per cent increase in residents' permits from £30 to £40.

Cllr Phyl Hobson (Lib Dem, Larkfield), the council's cabinet member responsible for car parks said the increases – which would see two hours' parking increase from 80p to £1 – was the first in seven years.

In Chepstow it is proposed that a flat £1 fee be introduced in the railway station and Drill Hall car parks.

It is also proposed that there is either a free hour in the Nelson Street and Welsh Street car parks or free parking all day on Saturday in the two car parks.

In Monmouth the proposals are for charges in the Granville Street car park, an all-day fee of £1 in the Cinderhill Street and rowing club car parks and eight free 30-minute spaces in the Glendower Street car park.

It is also suggested that income from the car park service be used to fund a new, free, car park off Rockfield Road.

Cllr Hobson said: "There are 30 recommendations in total so these are just the 'headlines'.

"We recognise that car parking is an emotive subject and we cannot satisfy all demands.

"But we have listened to feedback and have tried to restructure the service to meet needs in individual towns rather than a 'one size fits all' approach."

The committee meets on Monday (July 14) but any changes would have to approved by the council's Cabinet.