Councillors have done a U-turn over the Chippenham Christmas Park and Ride scheme after being flooded with complaints.

The Gazette revealed last week North Wiltshire District Council decided last week to abandon the park and ride scheme amid claims it had forgotten to organise it, and handed the money to CCTV instead.

But following the report, councillors were deluged with calls from traders and residents who feared the knock on effect for town centre shopping. The potential for parking chaos was also aggravated by the news urgent repairs will be needed on the surface of the Emery Gate car park in the weeks before Christmas.

The park and ride was rushed before the council's executive committee as an emergency item on Tuesday night and members agreed to support a limited scheme, with £7,000 from central funds.

The park and ride will run for the three Saturdays before Christmas, December 9, 16 and 23.

Coun Ruth Coleman said she had received correspondence, telephone calls and appeals. "It is taking much effort for this to go ahead, but we are responding to what the people and traders of Chippenham want," she said.

Coun Christine Crisp, who last week accused the council of forgetting the scheme, said after the meeting: "I am very impressed by the amount of support from local people and traders of Chippenham for my criticism of the ommission of the Christmas Park and Ride.

"It does appear the administration has listened to the protest and officers have worked hard to come forward at short notice with a modified park and ride."

The scheme will operate from car parks at Regent Lock, in Bath Road, and the ambulance centre on the Malmesbury Road. It was initially feared Regent Lock would not be available, but further investigation showed it could be used.