Free parking bonus for Shrewsbury Town fans

The Park and Ride car park at Meole Brace is usually closed at night, but as the trial to leave it open for the last few evening games last season was so successful, it will be open until 11pm during all midweek evening matches for fans to park for free.

The move was made after more than 50 fans were ticketed by traffic wardens for parking on verges outside the closed park and ride last season.

Many argued they had been targeted unfairly during the game by traffic wardens. Some motorists were left with a bill for up to £75.

But fans will not be allowed to park on the car park on Saturday matches, as this will be reserved for people using the Park and Ride service to visit Shrewsbury town centre.

The club's first home evening league game of the season against Preston North End kicks off at 7.45pm tonight. Council chiefs said the free parking was a 'gesture of goodwill' aimed at boosting attendances at the Greenhous Meadow, on Oteley Road.

Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: "It worked really well last season in helping people get behind the promotion bid, so we thought we'd continue it this season to get as many people to support the club now they've been promoted to League One."

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for car parks and transport, said: "We're opening up this car park as a gesture of goodwill to the club's dedicated fans. Charging for these spaces was a consideration. However, in order to encourage as much support as possible for the midweek evening games we will continue to provide parking for free."