Dorset Council has agreed to start charging on Sundays in its car parks and increase the all-day charge in West Bay from £2 to £8.

It was announced in October that changes, including charging until 8pm and on Sundays and increasing some charges would come into effect in the new year but many people raised concerns, especially considering the current financial pressures faced by businesses.

They were discussed at the place and resources scrutiny committee on December 1.

The recommendation to extend charging to 8pm has been withdrawn but the other changes will come into effect on February 1.

Special arrangements for workers who require all day parking in West Bay will be considered in due course, as will local arrangements for Sunday markets and car boot sales.

Further changes to car parking arrangements, including resident and shoppers permits, will also be discussed by Dorset Council in the new year.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, also announced that current free parking arrangements for NHS and care workers will remain in place until midnight on Thursday, December 31.

He said: "We have listened to the concerns around the changes to car parking arrangements and amended our recommendations accordingly. I feel that the new changes strike a balance between supporting our town centres and high streets, as well as ensuring charging is fair and can sustain our car parks across the county.

"I'd like to thank the many councillors and officers who have provided feedback and worked hard to get this result, which I am very pleased with.

"I'm also pleased to be able to support our colleagues in the NHS and care sectors by extending our free parking offer throughout December. Despite the recent lockdown period ending, these workers will continue to provide a vital service to some of our most vulnerable and isolated residents over the festive period. It makes sense to keep this scheme running for a few more weeks and also ensure no-one is caught out when the offer ends from New Year's Day.

"I'd also like to remind everyone that there is free Christmas parking for shoppers both this Saturday and next (12 and 19 December) in Dorset Council car-parks. Visitors should check signage in car parks and on our website for details."