Free parking in all Waveney District Council car parks in Bungay is to be extended while road improvement works are carried out in a bid to tell shoppers the town is still open for business.

From tomorrow visitors will be able to park for free for up to two hours, twice the amount of time allowed under a current trial scheme. The extended free parking is part of a plan to help keep Bungay open for business throughout Suffolk County Council's 16-week road improvement scheme, which will result in a number of road closures which traders say will be destructive to their businesses.

The works are designed to enhance Bungay town centre to support the new one way system, improving access for everyone who lives, works and visits Bungay. Stephen Ardley, Waveney District Council's deputy leader, said: 'We are very happy to work with the county council to support the businesses and residents of Bungay in any way we can. By extending free parking in the town we hope that people will be encouraged to visit and shop in Bungay while the works are being carried out.'

The announcement follows a pledge of £5,000 from Bungay's county councillor David Ritchie's local budget to part fund the parking extension. Mr Ritchie said: 'We all recognise that these works will cause some disruption, despite the extensive efforts being made to reduce it.

'Our message today is very clear. Bungay is open for business. I very much hope that doubling the amount of time people can park for free will encourage people to continue to visit and shop in the Bungay.'