MOTORISTS will pay nothing to use an Ellesmere Port town centre car park from this weekend as part of a six-month pilot scheme to help local traders.

The Chester West and Chester Council initiative Wellington Road car park will be free to use from this Saturday, February 14.

Located on the corner of Wellington Road North and Cromwell Road it is close to the historic high street of Whitby Road and has 274 spaces.

Councillor Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, said: "This is a great example of the council working in partnership with the local community to highlight their needs and find real solutions.

"The council is committed to supporting local trade and I hope the attraction of free parking will encourage more shoppers to visit the shops and market within the town centre, which will no doubt be a real boost for traders.

"Initially a six-month pilot, we will monitor the success of the free parking at Wellington Road after that."

Local member, Cllr Lynn Clare, said: "I'm sure that introducing free parking at the town's Wellington Road car park will have a positive effect on footfall, both on Whitby Road and in to the city centre and I welcome the move."

Free parking in Wellington Road complements 'free after 3' in ten other city centre and town car parks.

In Chester there are three ’free after 3' car parks, in Ellesmere Port there are seven 'free after 3' car parks while Northwich and Winsford are free all day.