THE town of Launceston is set to benefit from a new scheme which seeks to encourage use of the town centre thanks to cheaper parking.

For a number of months, there have been calls from locals to lower the cost of parking within Launceston in an effort to bring life back to the town centre and support local businesses.

One resident made it his mission to ensure changes are made. In July 2025, Peter Swann launched a petition calling for change to the town’s parking measures.

Speaking to the Post last summer, he said: “Like many people who visit Launceston, regularly or occasionally, I am so disappointed by what I see. An open, ancient town with pedestrian areas, old architecture, ancient buildings, but something is missing. As I look closer, I see quiet shops with no customers, empty shopfronts, closed bank buildings. And I wonder why it should be like this.

“There may be many problems and very few solutions. But there is something that can be done, and that is to stop car parking charges from being part of the problem.”

Peter called on the council to roll out three hours of parking for £1 in one of the towns car parks, and much of the community agreed with him, with his petition receiving hundreds of signatures.

Now, six months later, Cornwall Council has done exactly that.

This week it was announced that drivers would be set to benefit from three hours of parking for £1 in the town’s Cattle Market Short Stay car park.

From February 1, Cornwall Council has agreed to trial the new tariff over the next six months in response to requests from the local community. The trial will assess the impact on the local highway network and other car parks in the town.

Commenting on the decision, a Cornwall Council spokesperson said: “In response to requests from the community, we have agreed to trial the new tariff for the next six months. The trial will help assess the impact on the local highway network and other car parks in the town.”

Cllr Damon Dennis, Cornwall Council local member for Launceston South, added: “I’m pleased we are moving ahead with this trial and hopefully it will have a positive impact. The trial will make better use of an underused resource and supports local businesses by giving visitors and locals more time in town at a reduced rate. It shows the value of listening to what townspeople want and working together to meet their needs.”