SHOPPERS are calling for free weekend parking to be re-introduced in a South Cheshire town.

Visitors could park for free in Crewe on Saturdays and Sundays for a short period earlier this year.

Free weekend parking was a temporary measure taken by Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council to encourage more people into the town centre.

Shoppers, who also benefited from free parking on selected weekdays in the run-up to Christmas, say they would like to see the weekend scheme re-introduced.

Kate Jennings, aged 29, of Lear Drive, Wistaston, said: "When the parking was free at weekends in Crewe, I would go in and do my shopping on a Saturday.

"If you have to pay to park you may as well go somewhere where you can get everything you want in one place."

Debbie Bowley, aged 49, of Brookhouse Drive, Crewe, said: "I pop into Crewe once or twice during the week. The free parking at weekends was great because it meant I could pick up something I'd forgotten to get in the week. Usually, I won't bother going into town at weekends because it's busier but I don't mind so much if I'm not paying to park."

Traders were also in favour of the scheme.

Simon Nagington, pictured, co-owner of Riminis Cafe in Queensway, said: "I think the free parking at weekends definitely had an effect on trade in the town. We were busier on Saturdays during that period.

"If people aren't worrying about when their car parking runs out, they can come here and enjoy a cup of tea."

Jan Jones, who manages The Early Learning Centre, in Market Street, said: "The free parking made a difference. We had some busier weekends."

A Cheshire East Council spokesman, said: "We received very positive feedback from the public about the free weekend parking. Cheshire East will be looking at measures which could be put in place to support local traders. This will be on a Cheshire East-wide basis but for the moment another period of free parking at weekends has not yet been agreed."