Ref. 29772-70TRADERS in Wood Street in Old Town have given a cautious welcome to a parking meter that arrived two weeks ago.

Meters were put in Wood Street, Market Square and Sanford Street in the town centre as part of a £12,000 scheme.

The pay and display system is enforced by the council's parking attendants.

Richard Deacon, chairman of the Old Town Business and Professional Association and managing director of Deacon's, the jewellers, said: "It has only been a short time since the parking meters were installed but already I have had a number of positive comments from customers who have been able to park close by rather than have to find a parking space behind Wood Street."

But other shopkeepers in the street were more cautious.

Freddie Platt, the owner of Red Planet Bikes said: "It is hard to tell as they were installed just before half-term so we are getting a different selection of customers at the moment.

"I had been expecting more parking spaces at this end of the street."

Kate Holmes, a part-owner of the Magnum Wine Shop said: "We have not noticed a huge change in the parking but I think the turnover has been improved.

"I will be interested to see how long the ticket machines last before they get vandalised."

Also cautious was Sue Hill of the Diversion shop who said: "I haven't noticed too much difference.

"I think people are still getting used to the idea of the parking, I just hope that not too many people get ticketed while they are getting used to it."

A single, solar-powered ticket machine was installed in Wood Street, not far from the junction with Devizes Road and Bath Road.

Tony Foss, head of parking at Swindon Council said the parking costs were well-balanced.

He said: "The public seem to have taken to it very well indeed and we have had favourable comments from all three areas.

"It creates the opportunity for people to make short trips to the shops or the bank, and if they wish to stay longer they can park in the core area."

Mr Foss added that if the schemes were successful they may lead to further on-street parking schemes across the town.

In Wood Street and Market Square parking is now priced 30p for 20 minutes, 60p for 40 minutes and 90p for the maximum hour allowed.

In Sanford Street, this is 40p for 20 minutes, 80p for 40 minutes and £1.20 for the maximum hour permitted.

Anthony Osborne