VISITORS to Colchester town centre will not be forced to pay more to park next year, it has been pledged.

Martin Hunt, councillor responsible for parking services, has revealed he intends to either freeze or reduce parking fees in 2013.

The announcement came as new cut price parking deals for St Mary’s car park were unveiled.

The offers, to be introduced next Wednesday, are intended to offer the best value for anyone wanting to use the High Street’s shops, banks and cafes, as well as the Odeon Cinema, Mercury Theatre and Arts Centre.

See Thursday's Gazette for the full story