FREE car parking and a discount loyalty card scheme are among proposals drawn up by Bassetlaw Council in a bid to boost business growth in the district.

The proposals were endorsed by the council's Cabinet at its meeting last Thursday.

The nine proposals range from a targeted car parking reduction scheme allowing two hours of free parking on two afternoons a week in Retford and Worksop, to training courses for local retailers.

A scheme to encourage and train people to become market traders and greater focus on improving street cleaning in town centres and car parks are also among the proposals.

The on going buy-local Backing Bassetlaw scheme is also part of the drive to boost the local economy.

Keith Isard, cabinet member for community prosperity said the proposals will be monitored and reviewed with monthly update reports presented to cabinet.

"The projects will be part-funded from the £170,000 grant received in February as part of the Local Authority Business Growth Initiative," he said. "It is important to note that this funding is only available over a two-year period and it does not form part of the Council's general fund, so we have to think about the implications of the proposals on future revenue streams."

Head of economic development Robert Wilkinson said: "The nine proposals have been carefully thought through and are certainly deliverable."

He said he is sure the proposals will have the desired impact.

Anyone interested in learning more details see next week's Retford Times or contact the council's economic development team on 01909 533 230.