SHOPPERS parking in Ottery town centre are facing another alteration to charges after East Devon District Council changed its mind.

SHOPPERS parking in Ottery town centre are facing another alteration to charges after East Devon District Council changed its mind.

EDDC angered traders and shoppers in March by increasing prices at the Hind Street car park from a minimum of 20p for 15 minutes to 50p for 35 minutes. Numerous letters were received by Ottery Town Council and residents expressed their frustrations at the annual parish meeting last week.

After talks with EDDC officers and economy portfolio holder Peter Halse, Councillor David Cox has got the charge reduced to 30p for 20 minutes.

Mr Cox, district representative on Ottery Town Council, said: "Ottery is a different town to the rest of East Devon. It is not a seaside town and what you really need is the chance to go down and park to pick up your daily paper and pint of milk.

"Hind Street car park is close to the shops and the lower price should enable people to pop in and get the things they need first thing and return if they need to. It became evident that the public was shunning the car park in favour of parking free on the highway. Hopefully this will resolve concerns."

A variation order and notices will be issued and Mr Cox said the new charge could be in operation in six weeks' time.

Viv Abbott, Ottery traders' chairman, said: "Our members look forward to the change and, as chairman, I am delighted."

Normal charges will apply after the initial 20 minutes and there will be no further change to the long stay car park in Canaan Way.