INTRODUCING parking charges in Northwich during its regeneration would be ‘counterproductive’, the town’s MP has said.

Last week Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet approved its parking strategy document, which sets out the council’s parking strategy across the borough over the next 15 years.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said at the meeting that a ‘sensible and careful’ approach is being taken to Northwich.

Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale, said he has previously raised the issue about the timing of introducing charges in the town with Cllr Shore.

He told the Guardian: “What we’ve got to do as well as we can is make sure the regeneration of Northwich moves forward,” he said.

Mr Amesbury said introducing charges could encourage customers to visit other nearby shopping areas, such as Cheshire Oakes.

He said: “I understand that some of my colleagues have real budget concerns, with £57 million worth of cuts on the way.

“But sometimes it can be counterproductive economically.”

The Labour MP said constituents have consistently raised the issue with him since he was elected in June.

He said: “I was elected to put the Weaver Vale constituents first, and that is what I will do.

“In terms of timing, the council need to think again.”

Northwich residents took to social media following last week’s cabinet meeting, with a number of people saying the move could prove to be harmful to the town’s future prosperity.

Speaking on Facebook, Tom Barrow said: “The domino effect of car park charges everywhere in town will spread like wild fire.

“We want to encourage new people to come to town, but also retain the locals. This strategy is a massive shot in the foot by CWAC council.”

Mary Hough said the move would be the ‘final nail in the coffin of a town already struggling’.

However, not everyone was opposed to the charges.

Paul Howard said: “A 50p or 70p charge wouldn’t stop me coming into town to shop providing I can use an app to pay rather than needing change all the time.

“If the money is pumped into youth services then I see it as a positive step.”