Parking fee change announced after footfall concern

Parking charges will be partially reduced following concerns from businesses that the introduction of fees has lowered footfall.

North Somerset Council previously said its decision last year to start charging for parking at Nailsea's Station Road car park was "unavoidable" due to its financial position. The fees are currently £1 for an hour, rising in increments to £3.50 for a day.

According to a Nailsea Town Council survey, local shops said they had experienced a decrease in trading of about 29% since the charges were introduced.

Now, the council says it has reviewed charges and wants to encourage longer stays by lowering the cost of a two-hour stay from £1.50 to £1 from 1 June.

Pub owner Emma Lake said the cut was a "step in the right direction but not an outcome that truly helps Nailsea and its high street businesses".

North Somerset Council said the money raised by the charges would allow it to repaint and repair the car park's surface, cut back overgrown vegetation and install new bike storage.

Clerk of Nailsea Town Council Jo Duffy added: "While Nailsea Town Council has consistently voiced its concerns and objected to the introduction of car parking charges, it is pleased to see a reduction in fees as a positive step forward."

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.