A TASK force has been set up to rethink parking in Billericay, and make sure people who work in the High Street have somewhere to leave their cars.

District, county and town councillors have teamed up to tackle the problem, pledging to look at new ways to provide parking for workers, commuters, shoppers, and residents.

The initiative comes after one-hour parking restrictions, which were recently introduced, have left people who work in the town centre short on parking places.

Councillors from Essex County Council, Basildon Council, and Billericay Town Council, along with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, will make up the Billericay parking task force.

The group has promised any proposed changes will be put out for consultation before they are introduced.

Jim Devlin, from the town council, said: “The parking task force will now look at the best ways to develop facilities for workers coming into the town, while, at the same time, protecting the interests of residents.

“Billericay has still got a vibrant High Street, despite the current economic climate, and the task force is anxious to make sure the parking problems for workers are addressed, so our High Street shops are able to hold and recruit staff.”