RESIDENTS have had their say on new charges at Wrexham city centre car parks. 

From April 1, the free after 11am scheme at council-owned city centre parks came to an end. 

The new charges see people pay £1.50 after 11am for up to two hours, and £2 for all day. Before 11am, an all day ticket is £3 and up to two hours is £1.50. 

Following the changes, The Leader spoke to people at the Waterworld car park to get their views. 

Donna Shepherd said: "I have three young kids and we come to Waterworld regularly - so despite it only being a few quid, it will begin to add up. I'm not sure if I will continue parking here as I work for Coleg Cambria and get free parking over the road. 

"I've found the changes confusing, it's not really clear how much we should be paying."

The Leader: Donna Shepherd pictured with her children Lili and Ffion Roberts, and Rhosyn Jones.Donna Shepherd pictured with her children Lili and Ffion Roberts, and Rhosyn Jones. (Image: Newsquest)

Lesley Wilson said: "I won't be parking here anymore now it's not free after 11. The changes are misleading, it still says free parking after 11. I wish they would make it clear and easy to understand for people like me."

But the changes aren't unpopular with everyone.

Steve Jones said: "It's only a couple of quid, the council needs to find money from somewhere. We've been lucky to have it free after 11 for as long as we have."

The Leader: Lesley Wilson Lesley Wilson (Image: Newsquest)

The ‘free after 11am’ scheme has been in place since October 2020 to help business recovery during the pandemic, however, it was not intended to be permanent.

Claire Roberts, from Connah's Quay, added: "It's the first time I've parked here in years, but to be honest, the prices could be a lot worse. It's nothing like you have to pay to park in Chester and other places. It certainly wouldn't put me off parking here more regularly."

RECOMMENDED READING: 

A Wrexham Council spokesperson said: "Unfortunately there was a delay in confirming the details for the tariff boards and these were not refaced in time for April 1. However this work will be completed over the next day or two.

"Both the pay and display machines and Just park App are showing the correct charges and there has been signage on each machine indicating the new charges due too.

"We thank the public for their patience and reassure them that [we] are offering advice and guidance when patrolling the car parks until the tariff board work has been completed."