AN AMMANFORD town councillor has repeated his belief that parking charges are "ruining" shops and businesses in the town centre.

Cllr Chris Jones – one of the town's leading businessmen – said he hoped Welsh councils would heed the remarks of a Government minister who claims that "draconian" parking policies had driven motoriststo internet retailers and out-of-town stores.

Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for communities has called on English councils to provide more parking spaces in town centres and cut down on speed hump.

Cllr Jones told colleagues that local authorities in England had been criticised for taking too much revenue through parking charges.

"We in Wales need to listen to what they're proposing across the border," he said. "Car park charges are ruining Ammanford town centre."