THE Market Shopping Centre in Crewe is to trial a new 'Free After Three' parking initiative across their three car parks in a bid to boost town centre trade.

The initiative, which proved successful in Chester, has been approved by the centre's landlords, following support from retailers in the Crewe Town Centre Retail Forum - chaired by centre manager, Glenn Davies.

Glenn explained: "The 'Free After Three' campaign aims to attract shoppers in the late afternoon, and encourage parents to visit after the school run, which is traditionally a quieter time for the Town Crewe retailers.”

Discounted parking schemes are recommended by the 2012 Portas Retail Report as a way of increasing the vitality of town centres.

The Portas Report, commissioned by the Government and completed by retail expert Mary Portas, laid a blueprint for how town centres could improve ailing trade and fill empty shop units.

The report found that 11 per cent of retail units in town centres were empty, and recommended measures, including cheaper or free parking, that could entice shoppers back to their towns.

Sara Dawson, manager of Dorothy Perkins, said: "When you're shopping it should be relaxing without having to worry if your parking ticket is up.

“This new scheme will give our customers more time to browse and improve the overall shopping experience at Crewe".

The scheme will be trialled initially at The Market Shopping Centre on Monday to Thursdays from June 3 to gauge retailer and public response.

The Market Shopping Centre also offers free parking every Sunday and Bank Holidays on its car parks.

For more information about 'Free After Three' visit www.themarketshoppingcentre.co.uk What do you think? Will the scheme bring shoppers back into Crewe? Do you shop in the town centre, and if not – why?

Email matthew.taylor@guardiangrp.co.uk or write to Guardian Series Newspapers, Theatre Court, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5HB