Free parking has been extended at a car park in Ellesmere Port after its use jumped by almost 50%.

Working in partnership with the town centre improvement advisory body, the borough council implemented free parking for up to four hours at the Westminster car park in April last year.

The aim was to welcome more visitors, increase footfall and support the shops along Whitby Road and the rest of the town centre.

Following the success of the move, the offer has now been extended for another year until April 1, 2016, funded by the advisory body.

Previously costing 50p to park for up to two hours and £1 all day, the cost of staying longer than four hours remains at £1.

Motorists are advised to continue to display a ticket, available from the pay and display machines on the car park, which will indicate arrival times and prevent overstaying.

Advisory body chairman Les Lyon said: “The advisory body is very aware of the benefits that a scheme like this can bring to the town centre and a 46% rise in usage is great news for traders.

“We also hope it will send a clear message of welcome to shoppers in the town which is vital in today’s climate of pressure on the High Street retail offer.”

Vacancy rates on the historic high street of Whitby Road have dropped in the past two years from 24% to seven per cent, half the national average.

Ellesmere Port Town ward borough councillor Justin Madders (Lab), said: “I am pleased that the initiative launched a year ago has seen success in drawing people into the bottom end of the town. More cars bring shoppers, footfall, and wealth to the town centre.

“There are some exciting new organisations in Whitby Road, with many empty shops coming back into life.

“All these initiatives can help support our high street during what continues to be a difficult time for retailers.”

Borough Localities chief Cllr Lynn Riley (Con), said: “This initiative has been a great example of the council working in partnership with the local community to highlight their needs and find real solutions.

“The Town Centre Improvement Advisory Body is made up of local people and organisations who are all working towards one aim, making Ellesmere Port a better place to live, work and visit by improving the town centre for all.

“I am delighted that it has been a success and offering free parking has helped boost the number of people visiting the shops and market within the town centre.”

The council has also made Wellington Road car park free for six months from February 14.