Councillor Ron Davies has hit back at Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert for questioning the council’s plan to give free parking to shoppers over the Christmas period.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet has agreed to the introduction of two-hour free parking in all pay and display car parks for the fortnight in the run up to Christmas.
Mr Cuthbert has questioned whether the £45,000 cost of implementing the scheme is worth the benefit.
Cllr Ron Davies, who proposed the lifting of charges and who is standing against Mr Cuthbert in next year’s Welsh Assembley elections, said: “The decision has already been widely welcomed by traders and residents alike. Times are tough at the moment and this is an important decision to help boost business and give a lift to morale.
“I really don’t see why anybody should begrudge this important concession which has been welcomed by just everybody locally who wants to see our town centres thrive.”
The free parking at pay and display car parks will begin on on Tuesday December 14 and end on Thursday December 28.