INCENTIVES such as more free parking in the town centre could help to reverse the trend in dwindling visitor numbers after 3pm, it has been claimed.

Shelly's restaurant owner, Michele Butterworth, has called on the council to take decisive action to tackle the decline in people visiting the town centre before it's too late.

She said: "We have great support from the town centre manager and the council are very positive about what is going to happen, which is brilliant.

"But something needs to be done now. It is in Warrington Borough Council's interest to give us a break here as businesses won't be able to carry on like this."

Her suggestions include increasing the free parking to at least an hour after 2.30pm so the town centre can compete with retail parks on Winwick Road.

This idea is also backed by the owner of Leslie's Lighting, David Leslie.

He said: "If people could park for free for an hour to an hour and a half it would make a big difference."

Christine Houghton, owner of Window Dreams, also agreed that this would certainly make the draw of the town centre more attractive to shoppers.

Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Clr Mike Hannon said he was aware of the need for an 'immediate response'.

He said "In the longer term we have three major schemes in the town centre; Bridge Street Quarter, Stadium Quarter and Cabinet Works that together will represent £260 million investment and will reenergise and repopulate the centre of town.

"However, we realise that that vision is four to five years away from completion and that there is a need for immediate response."

Talks are already under way to create a new cultural strategy and a transport strategy is currently being devised which will allow for greater movement for vehicles and pedestrians.

A marketing campaign is also expected to be launched soon to promote Warrington market and drive footfall.