ABERGAVENNY town councillors have finally made up their minds to back the campaign to save free car parks in Monmouthshire.

The council have agreed to support the bid to seek a judicial review over the ending of free car parking.

At a meeting of the town council last week, councillors voted to join Usk and Chepstow councils in the campaign, led by Usk's mayor, Liz Fleming, and backed by all five chambers of trade.

Cllr Anthony O'Donovan said: "If we do not support some sort of fight against the charges, we are letting the citizens of Abergavenny down."

Cllr Graham Preece, who signed a nine signature call-in for the matter to be discussed again, said he could not support the campaign.

"I cannot support putting costs of £100,000 on this town council."

Cllr Martin Hickman said: "Whoever faces appeal, the council rate payers will have to pay for it. We cannot squander ratepayers' money."

The mayor Cllr Ray Hill said seeking a review was only the first stage. President of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Andrew Hinksman said: "I am glad to see that the town councillors have overturned their decision and now support of the campaign."

The case is scheduled to appear before a judge on December 6. Councillor Frank Olding said: "We are not discussing court action, we are discussing getting a judge's opinion. If an application for a judicial review is successful then we could save ratepayers money by calling for a public inquiry. There is no doubt that serious issues have been left unresolved. We can decide at any stage not to take it any further. We are not committing ourselves to legal action".

Voting in favour of the review were five councillors Ray Hill, Anthony O'Donovan, Laurie Jones, Frank Olding and Norma Watkins. Four councillors voted against seeking a review John Prosser, Graham Preece, Martin Hickman and Christine Prosser.

There were two apologies and an abstention from Gilbert Fury. Cllrs Chris Woodhouse, Jane Fousler and Alan Breeze declared an interest and took no part in the discussion or vote.

President of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Andrew Hinksman said: "I am glad to see that the town councillors have overturned their decision and are in support of the campaign."

Representatives from all five chamber of trades were due to attend a meeting in Monmouth last night. The case is scheduled to appear before a judge on December 6.