MP Duncan Hames has started a petition calling for free car parking in Wiltshire which has already received 2,000 signatures.

Mr Hames, MP for the Chippenham consituency which includes Bradford on Avon and Melksham, said today: “People tell me they haven’t been using town centres much. We are seeking the permission of the council to bring back one hour free parking.

“If people become strangers to the town centre, then they will get out of the habit of using it.

"We should not be penalising people for using local businesses.”

For more information, or to sign the petition, visit www.wiltshirefreeparking.org