MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council was accused of “kicking the towns and individuals” of the area as a row broke out between councillors and officers over plans to end free car parking.

At a heated economy and select committee meeting on Wednesday, the council's regeneration officer Kelly Beirne, transport manager, Paul Keeble and head of operations, Roger Hoggins, presented a report commissioned by Capita Gwent into the restructuring of car parking charges across Monmouthshire.

The report, which cost £17,000, was branded as “seriously flawed” by a number of councillors. Many were outraged with the proposals to abolish free car parking in the county as well as extending charges until 6pm and introducing charging on Sundays.

Councillors from Chepstow, Caldicot, Abergavenny, and Usk argued this would have a devastating impact on their town’s economies.

Many also highlighted the fact that the report’s observations did not take into account local businesses.

Chepstow Cllr Armand Watts, said: “This report is seriously flawed. Frankly I am amazed, the report doesn’t even take into account the local businesses - the most important group that will be affected.”

Many councillors accused the officers of ignoring the pleas of local people.

Cllr Stephanie Dovey said: “Businesses are already closing and there is just no getting away from that.”

Caldicot Cllr Dave Evans said: “If you do this, you are going to shut all the businesses down. You might as well put a bulldozer through Caldicot.”

Abergavenny Cllr Douglas Edwards said that charging on Sundays would impact on local church attendance and tourism throughout Monmouthshire, and that people working in the towns would not be able to afford to pay. He said: “This authority is kicking the towns and individuals all of the time. You will not get my vote on this and you will not get the public’s vote either.”

Kelly Beirne said: “There are a number of options and we will continue to try and find a mutual benefit.”

Three options were proposed from the report, all abolishing free car parking. Cllr Watts and Cllr Howarth argued that they should be allowed to put forward a fourth option - to not introduce the charges - but Cllr Tony Easson, who chaired the meeting, said: “That will not be possible.”

The consultation period continues.