THE question of car parking charges was raised – but it was said Royston looked likely to escape any immediate need to introduce the scheme. In a report to North Herts District Council, it was said at the time parking problems in Royston were limited . T

THE question of car parking charges was raised - but it was said Royston looked likely to escape any immediate need to introduce the scheme. In a report to North Herts District Council, it was said at the time parking problems in Royston were "limited".

The report continued: "The effect upon shops and other businesses in areas where charges are introduced is difficult to assess, as is the reaction of traders."

Car parking across North Herts cost the then district council £78,000 a year to operate and it was looking for an income of about £81,000.

In Royston, the cost of parking at the railway station was 35p a day and motorists using nearby roads had been warned that waiting restrictions were to be introduced.

This came after residents had complained to the district council about commuter parking.

n A campaign's document on The Case for the Royston Bypass was praised by Shirley Williams, the ex-Hitchin MP who was then Prices and Consumer Protection Secretary in the Labour government.

The document outlined the case for providing a bypass around Royston on the A505.

Mrs Williams said she would certainly help in the campaign by raising the issue of the bypass.

Meanwhile, Herts County Council announced that it was to include developing part of the bypass in its five-year major works programme. - The Crow, Friday, July 30 1976