CONSERVATIVE group leader Myles Hogg has called for further measures to help borough businesses and residents.

He was speaking at Thursday’s full council meeting where he welcomed the move to scrap charges at the town’s main car park.

Cllr Hogg says the borough council needs to be “innovative” over the coming weeks and show the public it cares before it makes way for the new Cheshire West and Chester authority in April.

He said: “I can never remember a recession like this.

“We need meaningful measures to help business people and residents who are in for a very bad year or two.

“We have got to be innovative. It’s time for leadership, to show the community we do care.

“I hope this initiative is one of many.”

Council leader Justin Madders said the decision to make the main town centre car park completely free showed the authority can be “flexible” and “pro-active”.

He added: “I will be meeting with the chief executive to come up with a list of things we can do to really assist local people and businesses.”