SHOPPERS in South Somerset will be thrilled to hear of a new free car parking initiative to start in the New Year from South Somerset District Council.

South Somerset District Council has announced the new parking scheme to help car drivers park in some of the towns in south Somerset and buy local; a boost for local businesses.

South Somerset Council are offering free car parking after 3:00pm on Tuesdays between January 6 – June 302015 in all SSDC managed pay-and-display car parks in Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster plus all but five small car parks in Yeovil.

To park for free, you need to display the voucher that was printed on page 7 of the South Somerset residents’ newsletter called South Somerset News.

The newsletter is delivered to every household in South Somerset twice a year in June and November. Look after the voucher as it cannot be replaced.

Councillor Tim Carroll, portfolio holder for Finance and Car Park Strategic Income said: “After consulting a variety of organisations and retailers about possible parking initiatives, the consensus seemed to be that a free period on a weekday afternoon coinciding with the period when the schools come out appeared to the most favoured.

“We will be running this for a trial period of six months and carefully monitoring the uptake after the trial period. We are committed to try out a range of parking initiatives and this particular one is targeted specifically at South Somerset residents”.

But district Councillor and prospective conservative MP Marcus Fysh today called for the District Council to provide a mechanism for replacement coupons to be issued to residents of South Somerset.

He said: "Many people don't read the Council's newsletter and they should not be prevented from parking free. All residents of South Somerset should be able to get a replacement coupon from the Council in case they don't have a copy of the newsletter."

"Our Conservative policy is to have free parking periods throughout South Somerset from next year if the people of South Somerset give us a majority in the District Council election.

"That will give businesses in town more trade as people will find it easier to come into town and not just park at Tesco. This initiative, of one late afternoon free parking a week, is just another gimmick and a rather contrived one."

The initiative is valid on all Tuesdays between January 6 and June 30 2015 after 3pm in the following SSDC car parks: Chard – All SSDC managed car parks Crewkerne - All SSDC managed car parks Ilminster – All SSDC managed car parks Yeovil – All SSDC managed car parks except Market Street, Peter Street, South Street, Park Street and Newton Road.

For use by residents in South Somerset only.