SHOPPERS in Calne are a step closer to two hours free car parking in Church Street car park.

The town council’s town development and planning committee have agreed to subsidise a six month trial in an attempt to increase footfall for local businesses.

But some councillors remain concerned that the car park, which is accessed off the main A4 road through the town and is ideal for the town’s new heritage quarter, is too poorly signposted.

The full cost of the scheme, which will be paid for out of the council’s general reserves, could be as much as £3,600.

Town clerk Linda Roberts will negotiate the amount with Wiltshire Council as a £3600 subsidy would represent the car park being at full capacity, which it rarely is.

A decision on whether to extend the scheme will be made at the end of the trial.

Councillor Alan Hill said: “We would like data from the businesses in Church Street as to whether the footfall varies and if so how, and we would like to see information from their takings to give us data on which we can move forward.”

With all councillors seemingly in agreement on the suggestion of a trial, councillor Robert MacNaughton wanted the car park to be better signposted for visitors to the town and the Heritage Quarter.

He said: “Whilst I am in favour of two hours free parking it needs to be advertised on signs, we have a huge problem with signs.

“People don’t know that the Church Street car park is there and how to get into it. People have to know there’s free parking.”

An increase in signs for the car park was turned down by councillors as this would mean the trial would not represent a like for like comparison.

The car park was regularly full when it was free in the past councillors agreed but usage has dropped significantly since Wiltshire Council increased the price.

A one hour stay at Church Street currently costs 30p, while two hours costs £1.10.