A FREE parking trial scheme in Malmesbury has been hailed a success, after it saw a tripling in the number of people using a car park in town.

The 18-month trial at the car park in Station Road was subsidised by the town council and Malmesbury Town Team.

The two organisations covered Wiltshire Council’s revenue to offer motorists one and two hours free parking in the car park.

It was hoped the scheme would encourage visitors and residents to make more use of the car park and attract them to the town centre.

The trial, which ran from August 2015 to January 2017, saw the number of one and two hour tickets issued rising from an average of 20 paid for tickets a day, to an average of 66 free tickets a day.

Gordon MacPherson, the spokesperson for the Malmesbury Town Team, a group who promote the town, said: “Research carried out in 2014 pointed to parking improvements as one of the key priorities.

“We are thrilled that the scheme for free parking just a short distance from the town centre has helped achieve our goal to increase footfall in the town.”

Malmesbury Town Councillor John Gundry, said the council welcomed the opportunity to subsidise parking “for the benefit of residents, workers, visitors and shopkeepers”.

He added: “We are thrilled that the scheme has been so successful.”

Philip Whitehead, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, said: “We are always happy to help local councils and organisations subsidise free parking so they can support local businesses.

“I would encourage more councils to take advantage of schemes like this, which benefit local people and businesses alike.”

The initiative will be reviewed as the trial approaches the end of its second year in July 2017.

The Town Team welcome any additional feedback from businesses, visitors, and residents, to email them on info@malmesburytownteam.co.uk