FREE parking will be on offer in all Malvern Hills District Council car parks on every Sunday during July, including Teme Street in Tenbury Wells.

As part of the council's economic recovery plan, they will also offer residents a two-hour permit. Allowing those with permits to park in any council car park, they cost £25 and if bought before September, will be valid for 15 months.

The plan has been designed to support businesses reopening, and give visitors confidence that the district’s centres are safe places to visit.

A council spokesperson also reminded visitors to Tenbury to follow guidelines and wash their hands frequently.

Signs have been put up to remind people about social distancing rules and public hand sanitiser points will shortly be installed around town centres, to help people maintain good hand hygiene.

Most public toilets in the area are open but Edith Walk, Malvern and Upton High Street are closed as social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Tenbury's tourist information centre is expected to be open from Monday, July 13, the council added.

Additional bike racks will also be installed to encourage cycling and discussions continue with Worcestershire County Council about the use of public highways to help food businesses serve diners.

There will also be promotional campaigns to promote the safety measures in place and give residents the confidence to get out and support their local traders, while encouraging visitors to explore the district.

This is on top of more than £17.5million paid out in support grants to small businesses – many in the hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors – and another £900,000 of discretionary grant funding currently being distributed.

Councillor Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Traders have done a fantastic job of making sure their businesses are Covid-19 secure so they can reopen to customers. We’re doing everything we can to support them.

“People should feel confident visiting our town and district centres and we ask visitors to follow the guidelines for everyone’s safety and to be considerate to each other.

“The message from The Malverns is we’re open for business, ready to welcome you, and we urge people to support their local traders during this challenging time.”