A study on extending free parking in the borough from 15 minutes to half an hour will be commissioned by the council.

At a full council meeting last week Councillor Matt Davis, Conservative group leader, called on the authority to increase the free parking allowance and thereby entice traders to the high street, boosting trade.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said this week that the independent growth commission will report to the council in December and will look to commission a study into current car and parking use in the borough, as requested by the authority.

Cllr Davis’ motion was unanimously supported.

He said it came after he was contacted by nearly 60 businesses claiming a slump in trade was due to parking restrictions.

The council is concerned that extending the free parking allowance may clog up free spaces and create difficulties for shoppers trying to park.

It claims the existing 15 minutes free parking has helped trade.

Cllr Loakes said: “Needless to say we’re pleased that residents have embraced the 15 minutes free parking that we introduced last year and that businesses have benefited.”