Drivers in Melksham are not satisfied with the parking fee redemption scheme in the town centre, according to an online survey.

The survey was set up in October and is now halfway through. Of the 76 respondents so far 77.6 per cent are aware of the scheme but only 14.9 per cent of them are choosing to use it.

When asked why, people said they didn’t know which shops were part of the scheme, and objected to spending a minimum of £10 to qualify for the refund on their car park ticket.

Many said they disliked having to ask shops to reimburse their parking charge, and did not believe that independent retailers should have to pay for their customers to park locally.

The scheme was first introduced in 2013 by the Melksham Independent Traders group, and was quickly adopted as an official policy by the council.

It offers money off parking in the King Street, Lowbourne, Bank Street and other council car parks for anyone spending a certain amount of money in shops which include KomiX and News Box.

To take part in the survey, which is hosted by myEnvolve and Melksham Town Council, go to: myenvolve.com/project/melkshamtowncentresurvey2014

To thank members of the public for completing the questionnaire, Melksham Town Council have negotiated a number of local rewards, including a free medium coffee at CJ’s Cafe, 20 per cent off at Candy Jax and 10 per cent off all orders at Flowers in Focus.