COUNCILLORS are calling for assurances over new parking charges in Northwich town centre, ahead of their introduction before the end of the year.

Some car parks – including Memorial Court, Cumberland Street and the market – will be subject to Cheshire West and Chester Council tariffs ranging from 20p up to £3 from the end of next month.

With Barons Quay and the Old Depot Site set to remain free of charge for motorists, Northwich Town Council representatives want to make sure the latter is fit for purpose before town centre workers are left paying to get to their shifts.

Cllr Sam Naylor said: “The kit is all ready, with a start date some time in November, but there are one or two issues that have to be clarified before charges come in.

“CWAC said there would be free parking on ODS, but that hasn’t been made ready.

“It will be my condition that it shouldn’t be introduced until that site is ready to provide the free parking as heralded in the original plans.”

CWAC is planning to introduce the charges – ranging from 20p for two hours, up to £3 for 10 hours – in Market, Victoria Club and Watermans, Verdin and Memorial Court and Cumberland Street car parks.

As well as Barons Quay and the Old Depot Site – next to Aldi in Leicester Street – Zion Street and Park Street in Castle will remain free.

Old Depot Site was the least occupied of the town’s car parks when surveyed ahead of proposing charges, but attracts more long-stay visitors.

Marked as ‘high priority’, the car park was said to require resurfacing, new bay markings and layout improvements, as well as the installation of internal signage and CCTV.

A CWAC report on the charges: “The Old Depot Site car park is an informal and temporary car park at present.

“The good location of this car park close to the Barons Quay development makes it a suitable site for investing in to make into a permanent car park, with higher capacity than at present through decking or the potential future building of a multi storey facility.”

Announced in August, the charges are set to come into effect by the end of November.

Cllr Brian Jamieson said: “The town council’s main concern was the provision of parking for those who live in town, and those who work there.

“We had concerns about the principle of charging for parking, but because they start at 20p we thought that was a reasonable compromise.

“It’s important that [CWAC] has addressed some of the town council’s concerns, even though they have introduced the charges.”