PRESTWICK'S Main Street businesses are celebrating after council chiefs approved plans to extend free parking last week.

Motorists will now be able to park in Main Street and Bank Street for two hours instead of one between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday after an outcry by business owners.

The Prestwick changes come after consultants hired by the council had originally called for drivers to be charged for parking on Main Street.

But now Main Street and Bank Street residents will be able to apply for permits to park on adjacent streets.

Welcoming the move, Prestwick Councillor Hugh Hunter said: “I know from speaking with many local people just how difficult and frustrating this has been, so it’s really great news that after years of pressing for a residents’ permit scheme, we have now reached this stage.

“I am also delighted that this new scheme will be carefully monitored following its rollout and I am looking forward to further consultation taking place with the residents living in the Prestwick Toll area who have their own local parking problems which need addressed.” Last week Executive Director of Economy, Neighbourhood and Environment for the council, Lesley Bloomer, presented the consultation's findings to the leadership panel.

She said: "The proposals for Prestwick are intended to afford residents areas to park near to their properties, as well as allowing shoppers to park for longer periods near to the Main Street.

"In order to address demand for parking in residential areas with Hotels, Guest Houses and B&B’s, it is proposed to introduce an accommodation permit which will allow Hotels, Guest Houses and B&B’s to provide adequate parking facilities for their patrons.

"It is intended that this type of permit will assist local businesses with attracting tourists to the area."

Ayr will also see changes near the shorefront, with Charlotte Street, Cassillis Street and Bath Place becoming three-hour zones with residents parking.

Fotheringham Road, near Ayrshire College, will go from having no restrictions to a three hour zone with residents parking while River Street, River Terrace, George Street and Garden Street will become three hour pay and display areas.

The council will also be looking at investigate options for additional parking on Falkland Park Road near Newton station, and will consider rescinding residents only parking at Fairfield Road, while in Prestwick, opportunities to increase parking capacity at Bellevue Road and Prestwick toll will be looked at.

PRESTWICK CHANGES Main Street & Bank Street - Two hours free parking Monday - Friday (9am - 6pm).

Alexandra Avenue, Oswald Drive, Kirk Street, Templerigg Street/Court, Midton Road - Three hour free parking & residents parking.

St Quivox Road (West), Leslie Terrace, Hunter Street, Gardiner Street, Boyd Street, Ladykirk Road, Salisbury Place, Station Road - One hour free parking & residents parking.

Station Drive, Queens Terrace, Kyle Street - One hour free & residents parking AYR CHANGES Smith Street, Miller Road, Mill Street - Pay and Display 2 hour limit & residents parking Bellevue Road & Bellevue Street - One hour free parking & residents parking Charlotte Street, Cassillis Street, Bath Place - Three hours free parking & residents parking Ashgrove Street, Dongola Road, St Andrews Street - Three hours free parking & residents parking Fotheringham Road - Three hours free parking & residents parking Garden Street, River Street, River Terrace, George Street - Three hour limit pay & display Alloway Place, Alloway Park, Park Terrace, Barns Crescent, Barns Park, Content Avenue - 1 hour free parking & residents parking