TORFAEN council has confirmed that it will use a Welsh Government grant for its intended use towards car parking schemes, striving to keep them free to use.
Mark Drakeford AM, the cabinet secretary for finance, announced last year that Welsh councils would receive a share of £3million to support town centre parking schemes.
Of the £3million fund, Torfaen received £84,000 and the authority said the money would be used to ensure free parking could still be offered for visitors and residents.
A Torfaen council spokesman said: “The contribution from Welsh Government will allow us to continue to provide free car parking for residents and visitors in Torfaen.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “A £3m fund has been made available to all local authorities in Wales to explore the potential benefits that free car parking, or wider strategies, can have in supporting the regeneration of our towns and cities.
“We recognise however that different approaches exist to support the vitality and viability of town centres and we respect that this funding will be used in varying ways in line with local considerations.”
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