Bridport Town Council has announced the first increase in charges at its car parks since 2015, to help pay for improvements.

The town council currently operates just two of Bridport's car parks, at Bridport Football Club and Plottingham, with the remainder under Dorset Council or privately owned. 

The daily charge has stayed at £2 for eight years, the lowest available in the town, during which time the temporary surface at Bridport Football Club has become a thorn in the side of motorists due to its deteriorating condition. 

Town councillors have now decided to press ahead with a refurbishment at the car park that will provide a permanent surface, new payment machines, and a more attractive space for those arriving to visit Bridport.

The new fees, to be introduced from July 17, remain below those of other car parks across Bridport and West Bay.

They will be as follows:

Bridport Football Club Car Park

• 2 hours - £1.50
• 4 hours - £2.50
• All day - £5

Plottingham Car Park

• 2 hours - £1.50
• 4 hours - £2.50
• All day - £5
• Season ticket (6 months) - £200
• Season ticket (12 months) £350

Town council leader, Cllr Dave Rickard, said: "No time is an ideal one to increase parking charges, but we really do need to lift the condition and appearance of the football club car park, as for many it's the first place people see when visiting. 

"The improvements are also needed for the football club, which receives a proportion of the income and relies on the facility on match days. 

"We're also encouraging people to 'Park and Stride', by taking advantage of the easy walking route from the football club to the town centre, the market, St Michael's Trading Estate, the Leisure Centre and other town facilities. 

"It's an important investment in the town and we think it's the right thing to do to ask motorists to pay a little more – and despite the percentage increase it remains a modest amount in cash terms – rather than asking all taxpayers in Bridport to pick up the entire bill."

The changes at the car park are currently the subject of a planning application, proposing a properly marked hard surface with underground drainage, more green space and planting, electric vehicle charging points, and upgraded pay and display machines offering payment in cash, by card, by telephone, and online.