THREE hours free parking could be the key to bringing life back into Colchester’s town centre, according to Tory councillors.

Colchester Conservative Party is running a consultation on a “recovery strategy” for the town centre.

Parking is one of the key features.

Councillors are suggesting offering three hours free parking every day between 10am and 4pm to attract shoppers.

Dennis Willetts, leader of the party, said: “We are perplexed the council has no long-term strategy for car parking in the town centre.

“To thrive, Colchester town centre must welcome all visitors no matter what mode of transport they use.

“The borough is run by a Liberal Democrat and Labour administration that clearly dislikes cars, so parking has become expensive, and the number of car parking spaces is being reduced.

“The consequence is discretional shoppers and high spenders elect to shop elsewhere, which is just compounding the decline of the town centre.”

The idea was inspired by Cardigan in West Wales, where the town’s parking pay stations were out-of-action in June.

Motorists could park for free and businesses reported sales increases of 50 per cent.

Colchester Council makes about £2.6million a year from parking.

The Conservatives propose making up the shortfall by charging more for long-term parking, which they believe is justified by the new park and ride, and using the News Homes Bonus, money the council gets from the government for allowing houses to be built.

If it is a success, businesses could be asked to contribute.

Councillors admit they have not worked out the finances exactly.

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Council, said implementing the free parking would result in a 20 per cent council tax rise.

He said: “It’s a bit strange the Tories are raising this just after the Conservatives at Essex County Council have invested millions of pounds in a park and ride scheme.

“One of the biggest issues people tell us about in Colchester is traffic congestion, which is why the park and ride is such a good idea.

“If we were to implement free parking it would heavily increase traffic congestion and make the situation worse.”

The Conservatives have written to businesses, including William and Griffin and Lion Walk, to see what they think.

If the idea proves popular it could be included in the party’s 2015/16 manifesto.