SHOP owners in Ottery are celebrating after the District Council made a long-awaited concession over the minimum parking charge in the Hind Street Car Park.

SHOP owners in Ottery are celebrating after the District Council made a long-awaited concession over the minimum parking charge in the Hind Street Car Park.

The town's chamber of commerce has called for an alteration to the previous 50p minimum charge since the beginning of the year and was delighted to see the addition of a lower 30p option for a 20 minute stay put in place.

Chamber of commerce chairman Viv Abbott said that whilst the alteration may seem small, it will make a big difference to people's attitudes towards using the town's shops.

She said: "We've campaigned really hard to get this done and at long last, and it is at long last we can look forward to seeing it benefit trade in the town."

Mrs Abbott added: "50p was too much, we believe that this will make a big difference to people who just want to pop down and buy a loaf of bread or pint of milk. They can feel more free to do so, especially at a time when people are having to look after every penny. We applaud the concession and look forward to better trading.