VISITORS to Ripon are to escape paying car parking fees on two weekends - because of major development works in the city centre.

Harrogate Borough Council has agreed to waive charges in all of the city's car parks because of the disruption.

The multi-million pound development project, west of the market place, has caused problems for some local traders and the Ripon Independent Traders' Association believes its members have suffered.

The group felt visitors were heading elsewhere to avoid the road problems and approached the borough council, which has now agreed to suspend the charges.

The parking fees will be waived over July 5 and 6 which is the Discover Ripon weekend - which includes a special market and various visitor-oriented events.

The fees are also to be scrapped for drivers heading to the city for the St Wilfrid's Day celebrations, including a parade with floats, on August 2.

Jessica Marsden, manager of Soles, on Westgate, and a member of the association, said: "We are trying to do something to say Ripon is still open.

"It started because of the lack of parking due to the works and we're trying to give people an incentive so they aren't put off coming here.

"We hope it makes people aware that everything is still open and that they come and use it."

The re-development plans include a Booths supermarket and space for offices and other commercial use.

There will also be three other shop units along with a car park to accommodate 180 cars.

Apartments will be built fronting onto Blossomgate with space created for parking.

Local cabinet member for transport Councillor Don Mackenzie said: "Ripon is no doubt undergoing a key re-development and this is going to bring many benefits to the city.

"The council is very sympathetic to the problems that Ripon is facing during the works, particularly small businesses who are seeing a downturn in trade.

"We hope this gives a very clear message to anyone proposing to visit Ripon that it is open and ready to welcome visitors."