A PARKING time limit dating back to 1991 was scrapped to allow shoppers to park free of charge for six times longer.

A row of businesses including a hairdressers, a funeral director and a newsagent on the A41 Chester Road will benefit.

The current 20-minute waiting, dating to 1991, applies between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday outside business premises opposite Little Sutton Community Centre and library.

Following the introduction of civil parking enforcement in January last year, traffic engineers at Cheshire West and Chester Council had complaints from the businesses about the restriction, according to a report.

They argued that 20 minutes was too short for customers of the premises and enforcement of the restriction, together with the fact there is no alternative parking nearby, could lead to a fall in customers becoming a reality.

Traffic engineers suggested the waiting period should be extended to two hours to help customers.

Engineers suggested that without a parking restriction the spaces could be used for an unlimited amount of time. This would severely reduce the available parking for both the businesses and occupiers.

They recommended a two-hour limit should be introduced to recognise the needs of the businesses.

Highways portfolio holder Cllr Lynn Riley (Con, Weaver) has agreed the change.