Ventnor Town Council is waiving parking fees in its three local car parks on Saturdays to help businesses in the town.

As the County Press has previously reported, Ventnor businesses are concerned their trade will suffer due to Leeson Road being closed for the foreseeable future following a landslide on December 10. 

Now, the town council has stepped in to say the three car parks it manages - Dudley Road, Pound Lane and Market Street - will be free to use on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. 

Steve Cooper, Ventnor Mayor, said: "There will be free car parking in Ventnor Town Council controlled car parks from this Saturday.

"Your town council have taken this action owing to the challenging business environment we find ourselves in since the closure of Lesson Road and after listening to the business community.

"It is hoped that this measure will increase footfall in our town, help local businesses and create a positive vibe in our town as we enter the summer season.

"The council on Monday night also passed my motion calling on the IW Council to seek out every measure and opportunity to reinstate the Leeson Road link into our town.

"And where appropriate, Ventnor Town Council supports and calls for partnership working with our MP, other Island councils, pressure groups and businesses to enable rigorous and robust lobbying of central government to obtain survival funding for our town to put in situ, all necessary infrastructure to secure our town's future with viable transport links.

"Let's work together to make this happen."

The Isle of Wight Council car parks in the town are not included in the scheme.