PEOPLE in Abergavenny, Usk and Chepstow can challenge the introduction of charges in free car parks in a judicial review after a court victory yesterday.

The three towns' councils won the review into the rises imposed byMonmouthshire county council after they argued that the views of local people had not been taken into account.

The move is also being backed by a number of other organisations like chambers of commerce and other smaller community councils in Monmouthshire - many of whom have contributed to the estimated £15,000 legal fees the campaigners are expecting to incur.

Local groups say the introduction of the fees will hit trade in the towns, and that many shoppers will go to towns like Cwmbran where there is still free parking. The council decided to introduce a fee of 60p for two hours, £1 for three hours and £1.50 for four hours in previously free car parks. The charges were due to come into effect in May, but the introduction was put off until October.

Fees in other paid-for car parks went up from 30p for two hours to 60p - but that increase does not form part of the court action. The council justified the decision by saying it would raise £100,000 in income.

At London's High Court, Mr Justice Lloyd-Jones granted the town councils the right to pursue a judicial review of the county council's decision. Monmouthshire county council now has five weeks to file a detailed defence.

The campaign has been spearheaded by Usk mayor, councillor Liz Fleming.

She said: "We have fought for the long-term interests of our towns and there is no doubt these ill-thought- through proposals could do untold damage to our local environment and trade.

"This decision means that the judge believes we have an arguable case. I hope this decision will ensure the council does not railroad through issues like this in future."

Abergavenny Chamber of Trade has pledged £3,000 towards the cost. Its president, Andrew Hinksman, said: "The council did not consult with us and we are convinced car-parking charges were introduced to plug a hole in the budget."

Chepstow mayor Armand Watts said: "I'm pleased that the judge has seen there's a case to be answered, and we'll have to see what their reply is. "We don't want to take anybody to court, but if we haven't been consulted in a way we feel we should have been then we have a right to."

Andrew Crump, leader of Monmouthshire county council, said: "I am disappointed by the High Court judge's ruling and I will be meeting cabinet members and taking legal advice before a decision is made."