Controversial plans to impose new car parking charges in the Stroud district have today been scrapped.

It is a victory for the people of Nailsworth who were outraged by the proposal and campaigned hard to stop it.

Stroud District Council had suggested ending free parking in the town and other areas, claiming it would encourage people to spend less time in the car parks making more space available.

But opponents said shoppers faced with the new charges would shun the town completely hitting hardest the independent traders - for which Nailsworth is rightly famous - as they struggle to survive some of the toughest times on the UK's high streets.

Punchline supported the anti-parking charges campaigners and warned it would be yet another nail the coffin of these hardworking business.

Today Councillor Doina Cornell, leader of Stroud District Council said: "After carefully considering the views of the public, parish and town councils, and businesses, Stroud District Council is stopping proposals to charge for car parking in Dursley, Nailsworth, Wotton-under-Edge and Stratford Park in Stroud.

"We have listened to concerns and it is has become clear during the past months that high street traders face a rapidly changing commercial challenge from a wide range of online services.

"I am keen to continue dialogue with traders and councils about these ongoing challenges for town centres."

Punchline welcomes this victory for people power and the support it shows for the independent traders who are the backbone of our local communities.