CAR parking charges in Wellington are a step closer to being increased - despite fierce opposition from traders and councillors.

Taunton Deane Council's traffic regulation orders panel recommended approval plans to increase the cost of parking across Taunton Deane last Thursday to try and encourage people out of their cars and on to public transport to reduce congestion.

But campaigners against the proposals feel the increases will scare of shoppers and penalise workers.

Speaking about the increases, Wellington Cllr Ross Henley, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "This car park tax increase by the Tories is crippling local people and local business.

For full details, see the Wellington edition of this week's Somerset County Gazette.