Visitors to a seaside town are enjoying the benefits of free car parking.

Charges were scrapped at Looe's Riverbank car park at the start of the week, allowing motorists to park for two hours without having to pay.

It's hoped it will encourage shoppers to the town while a main road in the area is closed for six weeks.

The B3253 St Martins Road, was closed on Monday so emergency work could be carried out to repair a retaining wall.

The decision was made last Thursday after town and district councillor Edwina Hannaford persuaded cabinet members at Caradon District Council to allow people to park for free and making it safer for parents.

She said: 'It was clear at the public meeting that traders were very concerned that the road closure could damage businesses in Looe.

'Parents from West Looe and surrounding villages west of Looe can now park in Riverbank and walk their children to school in relative safety up Shutta Hill without the need to drive the long detour around Sandplace, Morval and Widegates. By agreeing to free parking, the council is sending out a message that Looe is very much open for business.'

Sarah Lee, vice-chair of the Looe, Polperro and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: 'We are very appreciative of cllr Edwina Hannaford's efforts in securing this concession, coupled with the flyer being produced.

'We hope that residents will support local traders at a time when conditions on the high street are already very difficult.'

Anyone travelling to Plymouth or Liskeard can still travel along the A387 Sandplace Road and motorists can drive up a one way system on Barbican Hill.

Police officers will be monitoring the speed of motorists and one lane of the B3253 will be opened once strengthening work has been carried out.

A copy of the flyer can be picked up from Looe Tourist Information Centre and residents can also get a concessionary parking card from Caradon District Council which offers cheaper parking in all of the council car parks.