WEST Somerset Council looks set to scrap its earlier car park charging period following concerns it could damage summer tourism trade.

In January, the council agreed to increase parking charges at car parks across West Somerset and bring the charging period forward two hours from 10am to 8am.

It said the move would bring the charging hours in line with most other Somerset car parks ahead of a proposed county-wide parking enforcement plan.

But Cllr Michael Downes said that since the earlier time came into force “significant representations” had been made expressing concerns about the change, covering such issues as:

* An adverse impact on visitors using bed and breakfast.

* People losing the opportunity to shop early.

* Parents of schoolchildren losing the ability to park and walk their children to school for free.

In a report set to go before cabinet on May 11, Mr Downes said: “Local responses have indicated that, had this proposal been consulted on, there may have been a consensus to have preferred the option of maintaining the operating hours as they were and having higher charging throughout the rest of the day.

“Given the extent and range of the concerns, and a genuine desire to be responsive and achieve an appropriate balance between the council’s financial needs and those of the users of car parks in West Somerset, it is proposed to revert to the previous commencement charging time as soon as possible to support the 2010 tourist season.”

It is estimated that, should cabinet agree to the recommendations, the change could come into effect from May 25, just before the busy May Bank Holiday weekend.

The council also looks set to agree the release of £9,100 from the Working Neighbourhood Fund to cover the estimated loss from car parking income.