Parking charges set to come into effect at Cowbridge Town Hall car park are designed to help local businesses, according to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The charges will be enforced only once Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted across Wales, the Council has previously said, and would be in place between 8am-6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Drivers will be able to park for up to two hours free of charge, then have to pay £2 for up to four hours or £6 for all day parking.

Disabled motorists and motorcycles will not be charged.

Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: "The introduction of car park charges at these locations has been the subject of lengthy engagement, consultation and debate.

"The proposals were approved following a process of scrutiny by Elected Members of the Council, who agreed them at the two, all-party Scrutiny Meetings.

"There continues to be free parking available in both Barry and Cowbridge town centres on-street, and off-street, and the introduction of charges in Wyndham Street, Barry and Town Hall car park, Cowbridge is designed to increase turnover of spaces, which should help local businesses."

Parking charges are also proposed for Porthkerry Country Park and Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. It would cost £1 to park for up to two hours, £2 for up to four hours, or £4 for all day. There would also be no charge for motorcyclist or disabled motorists.

Alternatively, residents can pay for long-term permits for each country park that cost £30 for six months or £50 for 12 months.

"Our primary aim is the better management of parking, at our resorts and country parks and in our town centres," said Cllr King.

"However, there is a cost to doing that and to maintaining and sustaining them.

"Our highly regarded country parks are used by many people from outside the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as residents, and it is only reasonable that visitors should help pay for their upkeep and all money generated will be used for this purpose.

"The charges proposed for country parks are low, with a maximum charge of £4 per day. But, what may suit residents are longer-term permits that will cost £30 for six months (or £50 a year) effectively less than 14p per day," he said.