Mendip District Council keeping free parking at its pay and display car parks in Shepton Mallet until August 6.

The move means that the Commercial Road, Great Ostry and Regal Road East car parks remain free to use for a further seven weeks.

Charges were suspended by the district council on March 26, to support communities and key workers during lockdown.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "We know our communities are under enormous strain, which is why we are extending free parking until August 6.

"Those businesses who have made it through lockdown will require time to recover. Our retailers need the footfall more than ever.

"This move shows our commitment to supporting the recovery of the local economy. We want to send a strong signal to people that their district council will support them in whatever way we can."

While Mendip's pay and display car parks are free, people should note that parking on roads, highways and pavements is still subject to penalties.

These areas are the responsibility of Somerset County Council, whose civil enforcement officers (traffic wardens) returned to work on June 1.