An announcement by Dorset Council that car park charges are to be imposed from 8am to 8pm each day including Sundays has been greeted with disappointment and some anger.

Those hoping to see a post- covid return of footfall and reduction in on-street parking in Blandford town centre have described the move as “hugely counterproductive”.The changes include extending the chargeable period, currently 9am to 6pm, in all car parks from January next year together with the introduction of charges on Sundays in Blandford, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Sherborne.

Free parking during the full covid lockdown was widely welcomed in Blandford and resulted in fewer people seeking one of the limited number of free on-street parking spaces when they came into town.

And there had been hopes that the chargeable period might be reduced to encourage residents unable to find parking near their homes when they returned from work to use the car parks more overnight.

The council says that the changes are being brought as part of an ongoing review to make charging more consistent across the Dorset Council area following the creation of the new council, and most rates remain unchanged, with the exception of some popular visitor destinations on the coast.

A consultation will also take place this autumn on a suggested council-wide shoppers permit giving discounted rates, similar to that which has operated in West Dorset for over 20 years, and will be consulted upon this autumn.

Towns will continue to be offered free car parking on four days a year together with Small Business Saturday and one weekday in December.

Chairman Nic Nicol of the Blandford Town Team said: “I can understand the need for parking charges to go up, and like the idea of the permit scheme, but extending the chargeable hours to between 8am and 8pm and including Sundays is likely to be hugely counterproductive.”

Town councillor Roger Carter said: “It’s an appalling decision. How on earth is our evening economy ever going to recover after covid? It’s a slap in the face to the many people around Blandford who are struggling financially.” Catherine Chapman, chairman of the Blandford Business Support Group, said: “My initial thoughts were we are trying to bring people into Blandford, NOT turn them away.“I appreciate the council need to raise funds, but if the council is not careful the already suffering High Streets will definitely close for good.

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