A SUCCESSFUL free parking scheme has been extended in the Cotswold area.

The free after 3pm scheme will now run until the end of March 2018 after it was accepted by Cotswold District Council on Tuesday at a meeting of the full council.

The scheme includes Rissington Road in Bourton-on-the-Water, Old Market Way in Moreton and Maugersbury Road in Stow among others.

Commenting on the scheme, cabinet member for enterprise and partnerships, councillor Chris Hancock, said: "The free after three scheme has been extremely successful in moving demand for car parking to less busy times of the day.

"There is also no doubt that it has helped to ease competition for spaces at peak periods, both in Cirencester and elsewhere. I believe that the whole district will benefit.

"Motorists will have the option of parking off-peak to avoid charges, and local traders should benefit from a boost in footfall at times of the day when numbers normally tend to tail off.

"I should also point out that the budget proposals include the freezing of parking charges for yet another year and I am sure that this measure will also be welcomed by motorists."

The council originally launched the scheme in January to run until the end of March this year, but the success of the scheme has seen it extended it extended.

It was launched as an aim to boost footfall at local shops.

Parking is already free at the Fosseway car park in Stow.

The council also agreed to freeze the cost of parking in the Cotswold area.