A move to impose parking charges in a popular Warminster car park followed a "strategic review" and brings it in-line with neighbouring car parks, according to its landlord.

Residents of the town were worried after it was announced last week that charges would be brought into the Iceland car park in the town centre from October 17.

But reacting to the concern, Bournemouth-based Sovereign Shopping Centre said the move to impose charges at the car park next to the Iceland store would mean shoppers can park for longer than the current three-hour maximum.

READ MORE: Shoppers outraged after Iceland car park scraps free parking

Peter Roscoe, manager of the Three Horseshoes Walk shopping centre in Warminster, said: “The decision to introduce paid car parking follows a strategic review of the landlord’s operational car parks and introduces a tariff in-line with or cheaper than the council’s adjacent car park.

“Additionally, whilst customers were previously limited to a maximum three-hour stay they can now park for longer to make the most of their visit to Warminster.”

Last week, shoppers worried about the new charges had warned of a potential drop in footfall and trade because of free parking being stopped in the car park.

A warning was posted on local social media to ensure that shoppers are not caught out by the new charges.

Some residents feared the move would help to kill off trade in the town centre as many shoppers are reluctant to pay for parking on short trips.

It also saw Warminster Town Council promote its Warminster Parking Partnership scheme to encourage more people to use independent shops in the town.

The scheme is designed to encourage residents and visitors to give return custom to the retailers of Warminster and claim back payment of up to two hours parking, to the maximum value of £1.50, from participating retailers.

The council said: “Anyone parking in one of the participating car parks can take the pre-printed voucher which is attached to the ticket.

“This voucher can be redeemed in a participating business on the same day of parking.

“The retailer will issue refund and claim the money back from Warminster Town Council. Look out for shops displaying the Parking Partnership logo.”

The 12 retailers taking part are Al Summers Music Studio, Baber Animal Feeds, C J Robbins Butchers, Coates & Parker Ltd, Cornmarket Café Bistro, David Wiltshire Photography, Marks News, Nick’s Cobblers & Keys, S L Corden & Sons, Stitches 4 U, Twirls Sweet Treats, and Warminster Community Hub.