THE pioneering Beaminster parking ticket lottery has succeeded in increasing trade, according to West Dorset District Council.

The lottery, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Britain, has succeeded in attracting shoppers back to the town, affected when last July’s landslip caused the Beaminster Tunnel to close.

Under the rules, shoppers enter their 30 pence parking tickets into a weekly draw for a prize worth £200, which is not bad odds according to Chris Graves, who thought up the idea.

Chris, head of parking services at West Dorset District Council, said: “The idea hit me when I was fiddling with my wallet and saw my Lottery tickets. I knew we needed something unusual and a bit different to get people into town and a parking ticket lottery just sprung into my mind. I am delighted we’ve got it off the ground and parking numbers are up.”

Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We think this is the very first parking ticket lottery to be launched in Britain.

“I am not actually aware of there being another one anywhere else in the world. I thought it was an excellent idea and a great way of encouraging people to shop in Beaminster.

“The message is that Beaminster is open for business and has a super range of distinctive local businesses and fantastic restaurants and cafes. It is well worth a shopping trip, especially now you might win a weekly prize worth £200.”

Each week a winner is drawn who receives vouchers worth £200 that can be spent in participating Beaminster shops and businesses. The Horn Hill tunnel on the A3066 north of Beaminster remains closed until stabilisation work has been completed.