CAMPAIGNERS battling for cheaper car parking at the Church Street car park in Calne have asked the town council to investigate taking over the facility.

The Wiltshire Local Transport Plan, approved by Wiltshire Council earlier this year, allows what are called localism opportunities for community groups, like the town council.

The town council could fund charging exemptions, such as the two hours' free parking introduced in Malmesbury last week, or take over ownership/management of off-street car parks in accordance with Wiltshire Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.

Calne town councillors are set to debate the proposals at their next full council meeting on September 28.

Coun Robert MacNaughton said: “As far as I understand it, Calne Town Council have got to say, ‘we would like it’ and they have to make an offer.

“For businesses, its Church Street car park and Church Street itself where they want two hours free and there’s the increase signage. I want to make sure all those ingredients are there for them.”

Last week it was announced that Malmesbury was introducing a scheme for two hours free parking at Station Road car park thanks to funding worth nearly £10,000 from the town council and Malmesbury Town Team.

Wiltshire and Calne town councillor Tony Trotman said: “There must be some sort of talks about any financial implications, there will be a loss to Wiltshire Council, but I believe there has been word that the car park costs more to operate than it does have income. If we were to have two hours free it may save Wiltshire Council money.”

Many of the town councillors have already backed the campaign to help the many independent businesses in the Church Street area who have to compete against free car parking provided by nearby supermarkets.

Coun Charles Boase said: “The problem is people drive to the other side of the town to the supermarket car parks which are free. Not unnaturally if people can park for nothing they are going to do that.

“We will rejuvenate this particular area which has a lot of small businesses which do need help to stop people going across and using the supermarket. If the council could give us two hours you might see more users and the income might go up.”