CALLS have been made to restrict parking in the streets of Wedmore to two hours to reduce congestion and encourage shoppers. Parish councillors and some traders say shop workers are currently parking in the streets all day - putting visitors off from stop

CALLS have been made to restrict parking in the streets of Wedmore to two hours to reduce congestion and encourage shoppers.Parish councillors and some traders say shop workers are currently parking in the streets all day - putting visitors off from stopping.They want two-hour restrictions imposed on The Borough, The Lerburne and Church Street.The car park in Cheddar Road can hold 40 cars, but rarely has more than 10 parked throughout the day.District and parish councillor Jessica Healey said: "I think restrictions would be ideal for shoppers."People in the village are keen not to have yellow lines and we think two-hour restrictions will be effective in getting businesses to use the car park."We need to sort this problem out before it gets so bad that the only option we have is double yellow lines."The £200,000 Cheddar Road car park has not proved particularly popular since opening in April. Nearby residents have complained about the brightness of the overhead lights, a loss of privacy and flooding concerns, while councillors have been disappointed with the small number of motorists using it.The council agreed to turn off the lights at night and review the policy at a later date.They also hoped more people would start using it when free parking signs went up in May.Chris Chick, who owns Chick Butchers in The Borough, thinks the parking restrictions would benefit the village. He said: "I believe they are a good idea. It's the biggest problem in Wedmore and it has always been a concern."I have the same customers come in day after day and people do travel to the shops in Wedmore."But I think the parking restrictions might tempt new customers into my shop if they can just park outside."The parish council can recommend to Somerset County Council's highways department that the restrictions are introduced in the village.