HUNDREDS of people have taken advantage of a scheme to encourage visitors to park in Colchester, one month after it launched.

The Colchester Council initiative, offering special deals on parking at various locations, began on July 1.

Local businesses, and traders in the Choose Colchester group, joined the council to come up with the Shop, Work, Enjoy and Discover offers to increase trade to the town.

Figures show about 850 more car parking tickets than predicted were sold in the first month.

Tim Young, councillor responsible for street and waste services, said: “The early indicators for the scheme are extremely encouraging.

“Allowing people a longer stay in town for a lower price is a boost, not only to visitors, but for traders, too.

“We listened to what people wanted and designed the deals. It is really meeting the needs of our residents and businesses.”

The figures also reveal people are parking for longer.

Seven car parks are included in the scheme, which follows the success of a trial offer last year at the Britannia facility.

As a result of the findings, the council is now looking to extend the offers.

Mr Young said: “Many traders have commented the town seems much busier this year, which is great for trade. I think it’s because the scheme is so easy to use, it takes the hassle out of parking, and people don’t have to worry about rushing to avoid overstaying.”

Steve Miller, from Miller Stationery, in St Botolph’s Street, said the scheme was “wonderful”.

He said: “The council has finally started seeing the town centre as a business, and it is working.

“The town is finally going places and more people are coming in. The council now needs to improve the signs in the car parks to make more people aware of the offers.”

John Allen, from Allen & Sons Butchers, in St Botolph’s Street, said: “We have noticed the town is busier. We are busy. So far, so good.”

The deals are:

* SHOP – Park between 10am and 3pm for £2 at Britannia, Priory Street, Vineyard and St Botolph’s car parks, Monday to Saturday.

* ENJOY – Park at any time after 3pm for £2 at Britannia, Priory Street, Vineyard, St Mary’s, St John’s and St Botolph’s car parks, Monday to Saturday.

* WORK – Park before 8am for £2.90, Monday to Friday, at Butt Road car park.

* DISCOVER – Pay £10 for 60 hours’ parking at Britannia, Priory Street, Vineyard and St Botolph’s car parks.

For more details, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/parking