A major upheaval of car parking is being proposed in several towns to try and boost trade.

Flintshire Council is considering a range of new policies in an attempt to attract more shoppers to towns – including allowing cars onto high streets in Buckley and Holywell.

The proposals came to light as part of a review of the council’s car parking policy, which is also set to see more car parking offered in Holywell and charges introduced in Flint.

In a report released ahead of a meeting this week, Steve Jones, the council’s chief officer for Streetscene and transportation, said: “Holywell and Buckley town centres currently benefit from pedestrianised zones on their High Streets which provides a safe and unobstructed shopping experience for pedestrians.

“There is an opinion that these zones can have a limiting effect on High Street businesses as shoppers cannot stop to quickly visit and collect items from shops in the town.

“The report recommends a review of these zones which would then allow the provision of some free, on-street, short stay parking which could potentially be a tool to further support local businesses and discourage visitors from using alternative ‘out of town’ shopping centres.”

The pedestrian zones have been in place in Holywell since 1992 and Buckley since 2000.

As part of the proposals, Holywell Town Council and Buckley Town Council will be asked their view on whether they support the plans, before they are taken forward.

During Friday’s meeting of the council's environment overview and scrutiny committee, members will also look at the introduction of car parking charges in Flint.

Mr Jones said: “In 2015, Flintshire County Council’s car park strategy was introduced to improve the vibrancy and vitality of the town centres in Flintshire through effective car park management.

“The introduction of parking charges in Flint was suspended due to the redevelopment work in the town and this report provides an update on the planned phased introduction of charges in Flint in line with the strategy agreed by cabinet in April 2015.

“The report also details options for additional on street parking restrictions in the town to promote the effective and free movement of traffic and the provision of some additional limited short stay, on-street, free parking within the town.”

As part of the review, the council is set to swap current parking restrictions so spaces closest to the centre are limited to 30 minutes for free, rising to an hour further away from the centre. Proposals to remove the cycle path on Church Street to allow for parking spaces to be installed will also be looked at.

Mr Jones said: “Following requests from local members and the town council, it is proposed to consult on the potential to relocate the cycle path to an adjacent street which will allow for the provision of additional free short stay parking spaces on Church Street.

“Clearly the proposal will meet with objections from the cycling representative groups and the rerouting of the cycle-paths cannot be guaranteed ahead of the formal consultation process.”

As part of the introduction of charges in Flint, the council will also ask residents on certain streets near the town centre whether they want a Residents Only parking scheme.

Residents were asked the same thing in 2015, but there was insufficient support.

Mr Jones said he believed there may now be support for the scheme as vehicle displacement is caused by people trying to avoid paying for parking.

Councillors will also discuss proposals for additional car parking in Holywell, where the car park at St Winefride's Church, Holywell will be leased by the council for the provision of an additional 50 spaces.