TOWN centre bosses hoping to introduce a free parking pilot scheme are hoping the Countryside Agency will fund the idea.
The scheme, which would allow motorists free parking in Wentworth Street, Malton, for a limited period, is expected to cost approximately £20,000.
However, bid by traders and community leaders to secure funding from the Malton and Norton Town Centre Initiative has been turned down.
Donna Lee, of the initiative, said the Countryside Agency had indicated, however, that it might fund the trial.
"They are looking at using the trial as a national pilot scheme. The results will be used to see whether it is worth getting rid of parking charges in other market towns across the United Kingdom," she said.
"The market towns initiative turned down the application because it just wasn't the sort of scheme which we would fund."
Officials from Ryedale District Council are planning a meeting with the agency to discuss the project
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