THIRTY traders are taking part in a car park refund scheme in Parkstone that will offer shoppers free parking.

Customers will be able to park in four public car parks close to Ashley Road, Poole and receive a refund of up to two hours parking, currently 60p, when they spend more than £5 in one of the participating shops.

Traders offering the refund will display a blue/white sign in their shop window. Approximately 30 have so far signed up including the Co-op, Peacocks, Oswald Bailey and The Churchill pub with many more expected to join in the coming weeks.

Ticket machines at car parks in Jubilee Road, Albert Road, Norrish Road and Mansfield Road have been upgraded to issue twin tickets and the £400 costs has been provided by the Alderney, Branksome East and West area committee.

Richard Wilson, chairman of Ashley Road Traders Association said: “This scheme is designed to help reduce congestion on Ashley Road by promoting the local car parks.

“This has been welcomed by all members of the Ashley Road scheme and gives an incentive for people to use the diverse facilities that local shops have to offer.”

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for local economy and transportation said: “We have been working closely with local traders to deliver a scheme which not only improves the economic vibrancy of the Ashley Road shopping area but also helps to ensure that our car parks are more fully utilised thereby reducing the amount of parking in residential streets.

“I’d like to congratulate the Ashley Road traders for working together to develop a scheme that promises to benefit everybody and we wish the scheme every success.”

Cllr Marion Le Poidevin, who represents Branksome West said: “I congratulate Ashley Road Traders on setting up this scheme. It will be good for everyone, shoppers will get longer free parking than on the street and have more time to browse the wide variety of shops, businesses will get more customers and Ashley Road will be less congested.”

Traders wishing to join the scheme should contact their ward councillor or Richard Wilson at bookworm.books@yahoo.com.