HEREFORDSHIRE Council has this morning announced an incentive to motorists visiting Hereford next month.

Just a week after putting prices up at several car parks around the county, the authority has said shoppers parking in West Street, Gaol Street and Garrick multi-storey car parks in Hereford can park between 3pm-6pm on a one-hour ticket, which costs £1.30 for the first two, and £1.20 at the multi-storey.

The 'Park and Shop' offer will run throughout March.

Councillor Paul Rone, cabinet member for transport and roads said: “We are keen to promote Hereford City as the vibrant and diverse shopping destination it has become in recent years.

"With the Old Market now fully let and High Town experiencing high occupation rates, we want to support shoppers to experience the full retail offer across the city.

"We hope that this parking offer will encourage people to stay longer and explore Hereford; not only the extensive range of independent retail outlets but also the thriving emerging independent food scene which I believe, complements the retail and leisure offer of Old Market.”

The move comes seven days after parking prices rose in more than 40 council-operated car parks in Herefordshire.

To park for more than six hours in the West Street or Gaol Street car parks now costs £13.