Council chiefs have promised free parking in the town centre by the end of year, as frustrated traders call for change.

Business owners in Gravesend believe that ending charges, or at the very least a generous cut in prices, could kick start the town’s economy.

Shopping in Gravesend has suffered with Marks and Spencer in New Road closing in September last year and last month the market in High Street being closed for a revamp until next summer.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Cubitt (Con) said the council was working to reintroduce free parking to boost trade in the town centre, but would not be drawn on specifics.

He said: “I’m confident that an element of free parking would be of great assistance to shops, in particular on the weekend. This is what was in our manifesto and we will be looking to bring in an element of free parking by the end of the year.”

“Free parking would improve footfall and people wouldn’t be in a rush to get back to their cars..." - Graham Broadbent, Marie’s Tea Room

His comments come after Marcus Jones, who was made High Streets Minister in David Cameron’s post-election reshuffle, suggested that smaller town centres could become “parking meter-free zones” to help shops.

Cardigan council in Wales saw custom increase by up to 50% after thieves destroyed the town’s four parking machines.

The policy would hit council revenues but Cllr Cubitt said this would not affect the amount put aside for other aspects of parking enforcement, such as the number of traffic wardens.

Under a Conservative council in 2009, free parking was introduced on Saturdays but it was revoked when the Labour regained power in 2011.

There are nine council car parks in the town centre, in Ordnance Road, Parrock Street, Rathmore Road (Thamesgate Shopping Centre), Market Square, Horn Yard, Milton Place, Lord Street, West Street (St George’s Shopping Centre) and at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.

Since 2011 parking has been free only on a Sunday or after 6pm, with charges of 80p for an hour, £1.50 for up to three hours, £2 up to four hours and £6.50 for over four hours (maximum 24 hours stay).

Shop and cafe owners are battling the presence of Bluewater and have called for the council to give them a helping hand.

Graham Broadbent, 28, owner of Marie’s Tea Room in High Street, said: “I think traders could work together with the council more.

“Free parking would improve footfall and people wouldn’t be in a rush to get back to their cars. It would give them more free time.

“Anyone who is a business owner has to park in the town and that can add up to a lot of money each week..." - Suleman Aslam, Aslamtex

“If people are able to come in for free they’ll have more disposable income as well.

“It’s also an issue for people who work in the town because they have to pay to park and it can be £25 a week. If I had that money then maybe I’d come into the town and have a coffee or a cup of tea.”

Suleman Aslam, 24, manager of Aslamtex, a bag and luggage shop in High Street said being a trader in Gravesend could be costly.

He said: “There needs to be a reduction in prices quite drastically. If the council are going to do something it should be Friday and Saturday free parking. It’s currently £2 for four hours, they should make it £1.20 or even £1.

“Anyone who is a business owner has to park in the town and that can add up to a lot of money each week. Free parking would be one less problem to have.

“Bluewater is 10 minutes away and the car parks are free. The council needs to give something back to the people of Gravesend.”