A NEW drive to encourage shopping in the centre of Salisbury has been launched by the Business Improvement District.

The group have teamed up with leading media organisations across the city, including The Journal, to promote Sunday opening and the fact that parking is free for shoppers at Culver Street Car Park.

The campaign, being jointly promoted by Salisbury Newspapers and Spire FM along with other publications, is aimed at taking advantage of the decision by Wiltshire Council to make parking easier for shoppers.

Some traders were disappointed that the numbers were low on the first Sunday of free parking at Culver Street, but many accept that the word must be spread first.

Steve Daulwalder, owner of La Mollina Restaurant, said last Sunday had been particularly slow because of the cold weather, but added they should not be too disappointed.

"The word will soon get around locally once people know where they can park freely on Sunday. What we are lacking is daytime visitors from the edge of the area,” he said.

Amanda Newbery, who chairs the BID group, said: "We are taking swift action to take advantage of an opportunity that has presented itself. By working with our partners in launching this campaign we believe many more people will be encouraged to come shop and eat here.

"The campaign will last for six weeks and there have been some exciting proposals put forward by our media partners. The Journal, I know, will include some great offers to entice people in.

"We hope businesses will seize the opportunity too to promote themselves and to think about how best they can help create better awareness that Salisbury offers a great shopping experience."