A couple who claimed a move to allow vans to park outside their shop were hitting trade have praised council bosses for clearing the way.

Jeannie Alderdice and John Wycherley said work vehicles lining Old Fore Street were blocking the view of Sidmouth Gifts for potential customers and could pose a hazard. The spaces are only meant to be for loading and unloading.

The permits were issued to tradespeople by Sidmouth Town Council on behalf Devon County Council (DCC) but the larger authority has now taken the role back in-house.

Jeannie said: “It was a fairly instant solution – it’s clear now.

“Anything that is parked there is moving on quite quickly. They’re using it properly to load and unload.

“It’s coincided nicely with the Easter break so footfall in the town is better and they aren’t all streaming past us. DCC did a sterling job at sorting it out.

“We’d been having trouble for about two years and it gradually got worse and worse.

“I’m definitely glad to have it sorted.”

Jeannie had previously told DCC: “We want Old Fore Street to look like somewhere people want to walk in the first place – the vans need to go.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon’s highways chief, said the permits are now issued via DCC’s dispensation scheme, which gives it more control.

The authority’s website says the permits are issued where it is essential to park close to a property to do work, and where there will be minimal impact on other road users, pedestrians and local businesses.