At its last meeting, the city council decided not to put £2,000 of its own money towards extending the free parking, despite requests from Harrogate Borough Council.

Members also decided not to go ahead with plans to turn Ripon's coach park over to car parking on days when it was empty.

The decisions have baffled some members of Harrogate Borough Council, which is subsidising the free parking in a bid to boost mid-week trade in the city.

'disappointed'

Coun Don Mackenzie, the borough's cabinet member for planning and transport, said: "I was surprised by their decision since the steps we had taken to alleviate the problem of parking in Ripon were being welcomed by them.

"I'm surprised and disappointed. They felt the removal of car parking fees was of no benefit to the people of Ripon. I don't understand that because I would imagine that some people in Ripon would drive into the city."

Coun Mike Gardner, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, added: "It's surprising. What we need to do is understand where they are coming from.

"I don't believe this is a large issue, I believe we can come to some agreement."

warning

But he warned: "There's only so much money available for the free Tuesdays and it would have been nice for it to have been extended for a bit longer – but that money would have to come from Ripon City Council themselves.

Explaining the decision this week, Ripon's finance committee chairman, Coun Andrew Williams, said: "In terms of the coach park it was felt there was no point turning it into car parking when what we need to do is attract more coach parties in to Ripon - bearing in mind one coach can bring 50 people in to Ripon.

"Thirsk has a coach park which is central like ours and we don't want to encourage coach parties to go to Thirsk."

'pay enough'

The former mayor also said it was not right for the city council to pay £2,000 towards free parking on Tuesday's because Ripon residents had paid for it already through the council tax

"That's why we were reluctant to say we would pay for it when, at the same meeting, we agreed we would pay £10,000 towards the marketing of the city," he said.

"We welcome the fact there will be free parking in Ripon and we, as a council, will be taking the lead on ensuring we make a positive start on the marketing of the city."

A major campaign to promote the city is not expected to get under way until next year, once work has finished on the new retail development west of Market Place.