SHOPPERS in Liskeard have been making good use of the Parking Refund Scheme introduced in the spring, with the initial figures showing that 1,000 customers redeemed vouchers in the first three months.

The scheme, which has more than 50 participating businesses in the town, allows shoppers to claim back 50p when they present the voucher attached to their parking ticket when spending £10 or more. Of the vouchers redeemed, 400 were received at the Co-op and 600 were at other shops in the town.

Sally Hawken, Cornwall councillor for Liskeard East, said: 'I am really pleased to see this initiative is working so well. It is fostering good relations between customers and businesses in the town and is a collaboration between Cornwall Council, who funded the new tickets and changes to the parking machines, and the Town Team, who paid for the promotional material.

'The council, having seen the success in Liskeard, are now interested in looking at similar schemes in other towns.'

Other good news for motorists in Liskeard is that it has been agreed by the council that the Saturday £1 all-day parking fee is set to continue to until April next year, while the £1 all-day, every day trial at Rapsons car park, designed to help workers in the town, and which had been due to end this month, has been extended.

Cllr Hawken said: 'There has been a doubling of use at Rapsons, but to be able to argue for its continuation or look at options that work locally, it is key that people both continue to take advantage of the offer and spread the word.

'The town council have had much input, especially the comprehensive parking survey used as evidence for the trials.'

Cllr Hawken said there will soon be bright new posters in all the car parks advertising that the parking offers still apply. There are also currently posters advertising how the changes to tax discs affect Blue Badge holders.

On Tuesday, Liskeard town councillors agreed to ask Cornwall Council to make a Parking Order which will provide four new free parking spaces. There will be two in Market Street and two in Well Lane.

Councillors said there was excellent support from traders in the area for the scheme and it was decided the estimated cost of £5,500 would come from the council's reserves.