PLANS to start charging people to park in Goodwick would be a major blow to the local economy, according to County Councillor Gwilym Price.

He was speaking about Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal to starting charging people at Station Hill car park during Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council last Tuesday (January 13).

Cllr Price said: “Free parking is absolutely vital to the recovery of Goodwick. The economy there cannot take another hit.”

The charges proposed for Station Hill are: 40p for 1 hour, 50p for 2 hours, 60p for four hours and £1 for 24 hours. These charges would apply to the 43 spaces all year round.

A statutory consultation process is taking place before any final decision is taken by the County Council.

Cllr Richard Grosvenor said: “The only option I’m hearing from the people of Goodwick is that they want the status quo.

“It’s part of the County Council’s duty to look at the economic impact their proposals will have on the area where the car park is going to be charged for and I think the economic impact on Goodwick will be substantial.”

Cllr Mike Mayberry said: “The people we represent can’t park outside their own house on Main Street and have to use car park. By introducing charges, they’re looking at £400-£500 a year bill.”

Cllr Belinda Davies said: “There is no other car park for Goodwick Surgery. It may only be 40p an hour, but that’s beside the point, it should be free.”

Cllr Owen James asked his fellow councillors to look at the situation from the view of the County Council. He said: “They’ve got to stop giving things away. Anything that’s free they’re now going to charge for.

“I don’t think the people of Goodwick are going to be incredibly upset with a small charge, because our charges are very reasonable."

The Town Council agreed to organise a public meeting for the residents of Goodwick to discuss the proposals and the consultation.