FREE parking in Wrexham town centre looks set to be extended until the end of September.

It comes after a senior politician said it would be “morally wrong” to reintroduce charges while the coronavirus pandemic continues.

All council-run car parks in the town have been free to use since late March when lockdown measures were first introduced.

Members of the ruling executive board will now consider whether to increase the grace period further at a meeting next week.

Council leader Mark Pritchard said he did not feel it would be appropriate to ask for payment at a time when many businesses are closed.

He also stated the move was designed to give traders a boost once they are able to reopen.

The head of the independent/Conservative coalition said: “We felt that at this moment in time, because of COVID-19 and the issues around the town centre, it would be wrong of us to start charging for car parking.

“I think it’s a bold move and other authorities will follow us, because other towns and centres cities across the country are still charging and I think that’s wrong.

“Why should somebody come and pay to use our car parks if the town centre isn’t open?

“We are trying to help support businesses throughout Wrexham and I think it’s a big plus.”

Concerns were raised earlier this week that firms in the town could miss out after non-essential shops in England were given the green light to reopen.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has yet to set an official date, but has suggested business owners should start preparing over the next few weeks.

But Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton said she had been approached by a number of traders worried about losing customers as they travel over the border.

Cllr Pritchard said he agreed that an announcement should be made sooner.

He said: “The Welsh Government has said there will be an announcement on the 18th. Well, that’s too late for me.

“There should be an announcement before then to say the economy in the town centre will open up on the 18th.

“Because Chester’s only 12 miles down the road, people could start going there because their shopping centres are open before us.

“People get used to habits and we might lose them, and we don’t want to do that.”

Looking to the future, Cllr Pritchard said there could be a debate over where free parking should be made permanent.

The council is currently losing out on £50,000 in income per month in payments after charges were initially suspended.

However, he said he felt it could provide a boost for local companies.

He said: “I think the days of local councils using car parking charges as a cash cow to generate income have gone.

“I think you’ve got to revisit car parking charges in town centres because you’re competing with out of town centres where the parking is free.

“You’ve got to revisit this because times have changed and we as senior politicians have to understand that.”