A regional daily editor gave new meaning to the old saying “names sell papers” by listing more than 5,000 of them in yesterday’s paper.

Monday’s edition of the South Wales Argus was turned over to listing some of the 5,345 people who supported its “Keep city parking free” campaign, with the rest of the names published inside the paper.

Under the headline, “5,345 reasons to keep it free” it names those who support its call for Newport City Council to reverse a decision to scrap free parking in its city centre car parks.

The Argus launched its campaign in November when the authority announced it would axe a two-year initiative allowing people to park for free for two hours, which has helped boost footfall in the city.

Editor Kevin Ward said: “It is actually something I have done before when I was editor of the Worcester News and it was quite an effective front page.

“It is not something I would do every day but it does make quite a striking front page. I think publishing the names is quite important because it recognises the opinions that those people have.

“We have closed the petition now and will be giving it to the council. I don’t think at this stage it will change their minds although we have put a compromise idea to them.”

Businesses and local people have backed the campaign, with traders saying the free parking has been a lifeline during difficult economic times.

The council said the initiative was unsustainable and it plans to introduce a £1 charge for the first three hours in all its car parks.