A full review of car parking charges in Wiltshire is to be undertaken after growing concerns that price increases in April have led to businesses counting the cost.

The move by Wiltshire Council’s Conservative administration signals a potential U-turn on its decision in February to increase charges in every town in the county, and to bring in the end of one hour’s free parking.

The review will be carried out in November and a year-on-year analysis of the number of cars using every car park in the county and the total revenue gained will test how they have fared compared with last year.

The council this week also bowed to pressure by announcing a county-wide cash-back redemption scheme in which shoppers could have their tickets refunded when spending their cash in stores that are part of the scheme, although the plan is yet to be formally agreed.

Council leader Jane Scott said: “Working with local independent businesses and retailers, and town and parish councils, we are currently looking at modifying our car park ticket machines to enable this scheme to be implemented across Wiltshire.”

On Tuesday councillors were handed a 3,007- strong petition from Chippenham residents who are angered by the rising charges at Borough Parade and Emery Gate car park.

They say businesses are struggling to keep trade going in the face of difficult economic times in which shoppers are taking their trade to out-of-town centres where parking remains free.

Sue Timms, deputy manager at clothes store M&Co which will close by September along with nearby Evans said: “Shops have been really affected by increased parking prices. Chippenham is dying and we need to save our town.”

Wiltshire councillor Desna Allen, for Chippenham Queens and Sheldon ward, blasted cabinet members for the decision which means motorists have to fork out £1.10 for one hour in a short-term parking space in Chippenham.

Coun Allen said: “I realise we can’t assign blame for everything to the car parking charges but we do believe it is having a direct impact on businesses.”

Richard Jaggs, chairman of Devizes Chamber of Commerce, said it is essential that Wiltshire Council reverses the cut in free parking from one hour to half an hour in Devizes Market Place car park.