TWO HOUR stays at a high street car park are set to double as a town council bids to take over its town hall.

Denbigh Town Council is in the process of creating a business plan to acquire Denbigh Town Hall with the aim of keeping it under public ownership and providing a wider range of events there.

It is understood that Denbighshire County Council, who currently owns the Grade II listed building, want to hand it over to a new owner by an asset transfer.

But due to the cost of the plan the town council said it has taken the precautionary measure of ending its subsidy for Vale Street car park, which encouraged shoppers to the nearby Denbigh High Street to park for two hours for £1.

Two-hour stays will now cost the county-wide standard £2, which covers three hours’ parking, as of April 1.

A Denbighshire County Council spokesperson said: “The council is working closely with Denbigh Town Council regarding a proposed community asset transfer of Denbigh Town Hall.

"Discussions are on–going whilst a comprehensive appraisal of the transfer proposal is being undertaken.

The spokesperson added: "The tariffs have been changed due to the Denbigh Town Council subsidy coming to an end.

“Tariffs are now the same as our other short stay car parks in the county.”

Catherine Jones, mayor of Denbigh, said the town council made the decision as it wants the Town Hall to be owned by the community rather than another organisation or private buyer.

“We are doing what we think is best for Denbigh,” Cllr Jones said.

“If we do not accept the Town Hall then it will be offered to other organisations first and then the third sector. Then, if no one accepts it, it will be put on the open market.

“The plan will make sure the Town Hall stays in the hands of the Denbigh people and it could be turned around and start to make a profit if managed and marketed correctly.”

The town council will launch a consultation with the community to find out the most popular uses for the building.

Cllr Jones said: “There are lots of possibilities for the building.

“We will be launching a questionnaire for residents and people who shop and work in Denbigh to hear their thoughts and ideas for how the Town Hall should be used.

"Members of the town council will be in supermarkets the library with the sheets during the week starting Monday, April 8. They are also available on the Denbigh Town Council website.

"There will then be a consultation at Denbigh Town Hall on April 26, where residents will be able to view and discuss the most popular ideas."

For more information contact Jenny Barlow, Denbigh town clerk by calling 01745 815984 or email townclerk@denbightowncouncil.gov.uk.