CAR parking charges are set to be introduced for the first time at the Royal Welsh Show.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is introducing a 'premium' car park for motorists opposite the Llanelwedd showground at a daily £20 fee, reduced to £5 a day for disabled people.

Show bosses will continue to operate a shuttle bus system from its 'satellite' car parks surrounding Llanelwedd and nearby Builth Wells. The 'satellite' car parks will remain free to use.

However a society member, who asked not to be named, said he was shocked to receive notification he would be charged for his disabled parking permit.

Disability Powys, which provides advice and support to disabled people in the county, warned charges could prevent disabled people from joining in community events and activities.

Show bosses say the Royal Welsh is one of the last remaining large agricultural shows to provide free parking and is considering offering free parking to those in receipt of higher disability allowance who are unable to use the satellite car parks.

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