ON-STREET parking charges are to return to Brighouse town centre in the new year after a year-long break, it has been confirmed.

Calderdale Council agreed last month to a new charge of 20p for an hour's parking in bays in some town centre streets, with a one hour maximum stay.

But it has now been confirmed that the charges will be reintroduced on January 6, following the festive period, and signs have gone up on meters in the town.

It covers bays on Commercial Street, King Street, Bradford Road, Bethel Street, Briggate, Market Street, Gooder Street and Park Street.

These were limited to free parking for one hour, until last July when the initial changes were brought in making it free for the first half hour, with the second half hour costing 20p.

Proving to be controversial, businesses complained the new charges were affecting trade and there was some confusion over whether a ticket was needed for the free period.

The Council agreed last November to remove the charges in order to give the town a boost in the run up to Christmas.

But the removal of the charges meant all earlier restrictions were removed too, with the result being some motorists were parking in the bays all day for free.

At a meeting last month cabinet member for public services and communities, Councillor Susan Press said: “It had led to people parking all day in the bays for free, which means there are fewer places for shoppers.”

She added that the free half hour then 20p half hour charge in operation from July to November last year had also caused businesses problems with people leaving the town centre quickly after using up their free half hour.

“Therefore the recommendation is 20p for one hour, which is certainly an incredibly modest payment and will allow effective enforcement to take place to make sure turnover of spaces,” said Cllr Press.

The notice attached to parking meters states:

“But we also recommend the Town Board be supported in a wider review of parking to ensure Brighouse remains a vibrant town centre.”

The notice now attached to meter's states: "From Monday 6 January 2020 the on-street parking charges in Brighouse will come back into force.

"There will be a new charge of 20p per hour, with the existing length of stay remaining the same (maximum stay of 1 hour, no return within 1 hour).

"Until then, the charges will remain suspended with 1 hour free parking – there is no requirement to display a ticket.

"All other parking restrictions remain in force. Please ensure you check the signage when parking your vehicle."

Ward councillor Howard Blagborough told the Telegraph & Argus that when the decision was taken last month, the Council had initially wanted to reintroduce the charges this month, but it had been agreed to wait until after the Christmas period.

He added that the free period had proved confusing and had resulted in people staying away, rather than the intended turnover over shoppers.

But without any restrictions people were parking for too long, he said.