WORK to build a free car park for shoppers and workers in Monmouth is set to begin later this month.

The ninety-five space car park will be built on land off Rockfield Road, opposite Monmouth Fire and Ambulance Station six months after Monmouthshire council’s planning committee unanimously approved the application.

The site was previously used as an informal recreation area and is next to the new skatepark. Access to and from the car park on Rockfield Road will be widened and improved as part of the development. It will also have a dedicated pedestrian link from the parking site to improve access for those on foot.

The lack of parking in the town has been a major problem for several years and it is hoped the additional spaces will help to relieve parking problems in the town centre.

Traders have ‘wholeheartedly’ supported the construction of a new car park.

David Cummings, chairman of Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said it is something that the chamber has lobbied for since 2008 to serve the 1,000 workers employed in retail without any dedicated car parking spaces.

“There is an urgent need for a free car park to be used mainly by shop workers, some of whom are on the minimum wage and zero hour contracts who find difficulty affording to pay for parking in the council pay and display car parks,” he added.

“The Chamber very much supports the fact that the car park will have an all-weather surface and would be lit, so can be used at all times of the year.”

He said it will mean shop workers are less likely to take up parking in residential streets close to town and free up space in the Glendower Street Car Park for residents.

Roger Hoggins, the council’s head of operations , said: “Work to construct the car park is due to start this month.”

“This follows on from a review of car parking and we also will be submitting a new draft car parking order for consultation shortly.”

Mr Hoggins said plans have been lodged with the council’s planning officers to create a pay and display car park on Wyebridge Street in Monmouth.