A discount parking scheme operating in Warminster has already reimbursed more than 300 shoppers for the cost of their first hour.

The Warminster Parking Partnership was introduced in May in response to raised ticket costs in the town, with the town council offering to reimburse shoppers and help traders.

Despite 22 town centre businesses taking part, it has not proven as popular as organisers expected.

Partnership chairman and town councillor Tony Nicklin said: “People are likely to be feeling the bite in the coming months and it will be more popular.

“The cost rises are not the only reason traders are suffering, but they are certainly not helping.

“People have been shocked by the emptiness of the car parks since they were introduced.

“The only way a council can help out struggling local businesses is by providing free parking.”

Under the scheme, which will run until April, traders reimburse shoppers for the first hour of parking at 40p.

They are then reimbursed from a fund of £2,000 a month provided by the town council.

Jacqueline’s Bistro owner Mark Brassington said the uptake had been disappointing, but he was very grateful to the town council for its support.

“I don’t think many people have heard about the scheme yet, but more people should get involved, and I think they will.”