SUNDAY parking charges across the county are being suspended in a bid to support local high streets.

It currently costs £1.90 per day to park on a Sunday in Salisbury, but the charges will be withdrawn by Wiltshire Council, which has committed £8million to support towns and communities across the county.

The council has not said how long the suspension will be in place.

It forms part of a 12-month programme to deliver improvements to local highway maintenance including repair of potholes, improve white lining, weed removal, kerb and pavement improvements, verges and improved road signage will be implemented.

The council will use new funding allocated from the government this week, along with its own funding to deliver the significant improvements.

The council said the programme reflects what is important to local communities and recognises the pressures on high streets.

Cabinet member for highways, Bridget Wayman, said: “We have listened to our local communities and businesses, and I am pleased that we have decided to use both the funding from central government and council funding to support our local communities and towns.

“We know that the local environment matters to our communities and this programme will make those visible improvements that we all care about.

“We have listened to feedback and acted. In recent years we have increased investment in Wiltshire’s roads and this additional commitment will deliver further improvements.”

Pauline Church, cabinet member for economic development said: “This re-affirms our commitment to supporting our high streets and local businesses. We need to do all we can to encourage shoppers and visitors across the county, particularly as we head into the important festive period.

“This programme of highway improvements, combined with the suspension of charging for parking on Sundays, sends a robust message that we are committed to supporting the local economy and that we listen and respond.”