A councillor is trying to secure free parking for members of the Armed Forces – but the town hall’s transport boss wouldn’t commit.

At last night’s full council meeting, Cllr Gary Poole, Islington’s Armed Forces champion, asked if servicemen could get free parking when visiting relatives in the borough while on leave.

“This is a real issue,” he said. “Members of the Armed Forces, by nature of their work, are not necessarily rooted in their community and don’t necessarily enjoy navigating bureaucracy when returning to the UK.

“I would at least like the principle of Armed Forces coming to this borough having free parking.”

But Cllr Webbe questioned whether the council could “justify a specific Armed Forces permit”. She added: “I would be happy to meet you to discuss it further. I think we should look at this on a case by case basis and mention it to the parking team so they can at least be mindful.”

Cllr Poole nodded solemnly at her suggestion.