A total of 320 questionnaires were distributed during the four week promotion, which centred on the new-look Parade, rejuvenated as part of the regeneration scheme. Included in the promotion was free parking in the town's car parks. Of the 320 a total of 229 questionnaires were completed.
The number of people who said free parking had influenced their visit totalled 42 per cent, while 22 per cent said the Chamber's advertising campaign had influenced them.
A total of 88 per cent of people who replied said they used the town at least once per week, while 72 per cent had visited by car, 20 per cent on foot and eight per cent by public transport. An encouraging 78 per cent said that regeneration works had made the town look more attractive.
Councillors have been told that generally over the period between April l999 and January 2000 pay and display ticket sales have decreased. A report by officers said: 'It is also evident that since charges were increased in April l999 that the public are now purchasing three hour tickets, instead of four hour tickets, due to the convenience of coinage.'