SHOPPERS are set for easier access to a Meon Valley market town after a new car park extension was opened to draw workers away from its central square.

Councillors and business leaders celebrated the launch of 38 extra spaces at Wickham's Station Close last week after months of work.

It is hoped the revamp, bringing the total number of spaces to 67, will ease pressure in the medieval Square, where some tourists and shoppers were locked out by workers' cars.

The £110,000 project to the north of the site, finished last month, includes new lighting, drainage works and specialist materials to protect tree roots.

The opening was welcomed by city councillors and business leaders.

Cllr Vicki Weston, deputy leader of Winchester City Council, said: “Car parking is an essential part of any successful town, and seeing this extra parking area being delivered for Wickham shows that where there’s a will there’s a way.

"I would like to congratulate all the partners in this project for creating a really useful facility out of redundant land that will help take pressure off the Square. Above all this will help Wickham move forward as an attractive place to live and visit.”

Louise Oram, Chair of Wickham Chamber of Trade, added: “This extension of Station Close car park is wonderful as it will bring benefit to villagers, visitors and businesses alike through the provision of additional safe parking.”