Plans to scrap parking charges on Maryport's Mill Street car park have been greeted with joy by town centre traders.

It is part of an overhaul of car parking by Allerdale council and it has launched a consultation into the proposals, which will be implemented from next April. 

Jill Skinner, owner of The Lilly Basket on Senhouse Street, said: "This is the best news ever - better even than Lidl coming to town.

"It has taken my breath away. I really believe this will regenerate Senhouse Street and the town centre.

"It might also get cars off Senhouse Street and off the loading bay.

"My wholesale supplier sometimes has to drive around two or three times before he can get onto the bay."

Debbie Wright, chairwoman of the Love Maryport town team said parking had always been an issue in the town.

She added: "Anything that makes it easier for people to come into town must be good for the town."

Peter Kendall, Allerdale and town councillor, described the strategy as "a wonderful direction to take to kick start retail in Maryport. It's another initiative to give retailers support."

He said at the height of regeneration, the Single Regeneration Budget paid for free parking in Mill Street, which led to some growth in the town. 

He added: "I believe this could make that happen again."

Mark Hodgson, Original Factory Shop manager, said parking was the one issue that has held Maryport town centre shops back.

He added: "This is absolutely brilliant news - the best news ever."

Arthur Norman, of AF Norman Chemist, said any increase in parking or reduction in parking fees could only help traders in the town.

Angela Humphries, of L&A Pet Boutique, said: "Anything that brings people back into Maryport must be welcomed. 

"It is just a consultation at the moment but I am sure every trader in Maryport's town centre will be backing it." 

Alan Smith, Allerdale council leader, said: "We have the big car park at Maryport which is not being used.

"Lidl is building a big new supermarket which will have free car parking, so why are we charging people to park when next door they can do it for free?"

Mike Heaslip, Allerdale executive councillor with responsibility for communities, said the plans to introduce free parking in Maryport had been driven by economics.

He said: "It actually costs more in equipment and administration to run the car park than the revenue we receive from it."

Allerdale's interim parking manager, Mike Hall is expected to meet the town council and the Love Maryport team in next month to outline details of the proposal as part of a consultation process.

Toni Magean, town centre manager, said he would be able to spell out all the finer details then.

The consultation closes on January 14.