Helston shoppers and workers could soon be able to park in the town’s car parks for two hours at a cost of just £1.

The reviewed prices still have to be agreed by Cornwall Council’s cabinet members, but hopes have been raised.

Andy Wallis, Cornwall councillor for Helston’s South Ward, is chairman of the parking advisory panel that has recommended the changes.

He told Helston’s councillors that, if agreed, the new parking charges would be effective in all Cornwall Council-owned car parks in the town, apart from Castle Green where it would cost £1.50 for the whole day.

A yearly parking permit would cost £300 for residents on tax credits, which equated to £5.70 a week.

A yearly parking permit for the Castle Green car park would be £200.

Mr Wallis said: “It’s a huge step forward to help low paid drivers who have to work in the shops.

“I think this is good news for Helston, to encourage people back into the town and encourage people to park away from the streets, which can be quite congested.”

He added that town centre manager Richard Dennery had had an input into how the car parking charges should be managed.