Introducing charges at Narberth's Town Moor car park would have a detrimental effect on the town and its traders. That's the view of the town's Chamber of Trade who have voted to oppose any introduction of 'Pay and Display' machines at the car park. The shock announcement that Pembrokeshire County Council is considering introducing charges has left traders 'disappointed'. In a statement to the Observer, chamber secretary, Gordon Barry, said: "One of the unique attractions for our market town shopping, has been the continuing availability of the free car parking offered by the town. "Now that Pembrokeshire County Council has decided that this wonderful abnormality must go, the uniqueness of Narberth will be surrendered to the continuing march of conformity, to the mediocrity, that central administration encourages. "However, the chamber awaits with interest the fuller details of the council's proposals and looks forward to working with them to preserve Narberth's premier position as Pembrokeshire's shopping capital. The town's county councillor, Wynne Evans, who broke the news to Chamber of Trade members, was also opposed to the proposal, but warned that the matter was under "very serious consideration." "It is with regret that the county council has gone down this road," Clr. Evans said. "Everyone knows that Narberth has got a free car park and it has added to the thriving town that Narberth has become, and it is a great shame that we may lose that," he continued. "Narberth has also got a great short term parking problem, but I hope that when the county council takes over responsibilities for parking and traffic warden services from the police, a new site will be identified which will be advantageous to shoppers. "Personally, I am opposed to the introduction of pay and display, but if the county council does go ahead with it, I will be urging them to keep the top part of the car park as a shoppers' section with a free one-hour stay." Clr. Evans, who will be monitoring public opinion at the car park this weekend, said he also hoped to have special dispensation for parents dropping off and picking up their children from the neighbouring primary school. He also hopes that the county council will levy a nominal charge of no more than 30p for car parking. The town's Mayor, Clr. David Norcross, was keen to stress that no concrete decision had yet been reached. "It must be first said that the county council have made no firm plans or decision that they will impose parking fees in Narberth. They have assured us that there will be full consultation before any decision is reached," he said. "Naturally, the town council would not like to see any charges as we have, for many years, strongly resisted any such proposals and argued as vehemently as we can that part of the charm and success of Narberth is the uniqueness for visitors and shoppers in that parking is free. "However, as we delight in the climate of an energetic and economically successful town, it brings with it problems and one we constantly wrestle with is keeping the traffic flowing and providing adequate parking facilities. "As such, it would be foolish if the county council did not look into the possibility of raising revenue in order to provide more parking for our visitors; how much happier we would be if it could do so without changing the present unique status of Narberth and continue to provide suitable parking free for all." When contacted by the Observer, a spokeswoman for Pembrokeshire County Council explained that the authority was carrying out a review of car park charging. "The review is looking at both the level of charging and the application of charges (i.e. location)," said Ceri Jones, assistant press and public relations officer. "The proposals are presently being worked on and have not yet been put to cabinet/council." She added: "The review is unlikely to propose charges at every council-maintained car park and any introduction of new charges will consider a number of factors, such as the need to encourage retail trade and manage traffic, as well as encourage the use of more sustainable needs of transport. "It will also consider the nature of the parking location and its users, i.e. urban shopper/business, residential, rural town shopper, beach/visitor."