TRADERS in Abergavenny have called on Monmouthshire County Council to abolish car parking charges in the town in an effort to help local businesses combat the effects of the recession.

Speaking at the recent meeting of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade, Ian Pountney, said that a lot of local businesses were threatened with closure and asked what the county council was doing to help traders during the current 'difficult period'.

"If the council could abolish car parking charges I think it would help tremendously," said Mr Pountney.

Chamber president Susi Cernoch said she would happily suggest the move to Monmouthshire County Council but warned that the authority itself was 'tight for money' and it was unlikely to drop the revenue raising charges.

"MCC itself isn't in a great position and it's not a good idea to ask for money from a man who's broke," said Ms Cernoch.

"However, the town is getting to look depressed and it would be nice to think that MCC would bite the bullet on car parking," she added.

"With MCC making plans for the regeneration they should remember that every trader who goes bust is a loss to MCC," added chamber treasurer Steve Theaker.

Councillor Bob Greenland, deputy leader of MCC and cabinet member for regeneration told the Chronicle following the meeting "We are aware of the effects that the current recession is having on some Monmouthshire businesses and are doing everything we can to help. 

"However, if we make car parking concessions, we will be taking away money from other front line services, which people need more than ever during difficult economic times."