CALLS for parking spaces not to be reduced in Richmond town centre have been backed by the town council.

As part of the recent review of the local plan, the district council offered to limit the reduction of parking spaces in the town centre to 20pc.

But at a meeting of the town council on Monday, members voted to urge the district council not to make a decision on removing spaces until management of parking was properly enforced.

Dr Mike Nicholls, chairman of Richmond's business and tourism association, told the meeting that the association was opposed to losing parking spaces in the market square.

He said: "Our firm stance on the district plan was that we want it changed to say 'no change in parking spaces'.

"When the district council's consultant said there should be a 20pc reduction there was no way we could agree to this."

He added: "I am still not assured that the county council does not have a hidden agenda to reduce the parking and make the market square more pedestrianised."

Coun Anne Frizzell believed the problem was exacerbated by inadequate management of existing car parking in the town centre. She said: "There is no management out there at the moment. There is a traffic warden but I'm not sure what she actually does. I've seen cars parked there all day and not get a ticket and other cars that park for five minutes and get a ticket.

"I would fully support the call for no loss of parking spaces; nothing should be done until it is properly managed."

Coun Jane Metcalfe agreed that spaces should not be lost.

She said: "It is very important for the businesses in the town centre to have parking spaces close to their shops. It is a pearl that we should treasure."

The mayor, Coun John Harris, said the loss of some spaces should not be ruled out but it would be a pity if they were.

"I do feel it is a major asset," he added "and it does draw people into the town."

Members agreed unanimously with the mayor's motion to write to the district council supporting the proposal that no significant changes should be made to parking spaces in the town centre until proper enforcement of the management of car parking has taken place