IN an attempt to boost flagging trade in Tenbury, Malvern Hills District Council is allowing free parking in the evening while work on the roads and footpaths is completed.

Tenbury traders have reported falling business because of work by Worcestershire County Council to improve roads and footpaths in the Market Street area.

Traffic lights have caused long delays and many shoppers have been giving Tenbury a miss since the work started in the middle of January.

Malvern Hills District Council has removed its car park charges in Teme Street pay and display car park from 6pm until 8am, for the duration of the road works.

Due to the public road works taking place, part of Teme Street and Market Street is being closed off in the evenings from 6pm until 6am for resurfacing work, and as a result vehicles are unable to park on the roads.

“We are pleased to give residents and visitors to the town a chance to park for free during the evenings of the road closures,” said Phil Grove, who represents Tenbury on Malvern Hills District Council where he holds the economic development portfolio.

“The works being done will make real improvements to the footways of the town, encouraging visitors and helping this ancient market town develop and thrive.”

It is hoped that the work will be completed by the end of March.