IMPROVEMENT works to Pershore High Street are having little impact on the level of visitors to the town, figures have shown.

Recent statistics show that the level of car parking in the town's central car park during January showed only a small decrease compared with the previous year, despite the start of the works.

There were 11,240 cars which used the central car park in the two weeks up to Thursday, January 24 2008, which was a 3.4 per cent reduction on the same period last year when 11,618 used the car park.

Nearly 5,000 motorists have used a car parking concession which provides up to three hours parking on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays for only 10p at the central High Street car park.

Councillor Tom McDonald, Wychavon District Council's spokesman for regeneration, said: "I am delighted that the combination of a wide range of quality independent shops, Number 8, plus the competitive car parking price has proved to be a success.

"It has so far helped to overcome some of the short-term inconvenience created by the roadworks. I hope more people will take advantage of the offer over the coming weeks."

Coachhouse books manager Peter Ellingworth, who is also chairman of Pershore's chamber of trade, said: "We've found that business held up pretty well in January but undoubtedly there are businesses in town particularly those that are reliant on stopping trade that have taken a down turn."

However, Mr Ellingworth said for most it seemed it was a case of "so far, so good" and he welcomed the positive improvements to the paving.

Diana Steys, from Tappers Shoes, added: "People are still coming to Pershore.

"It's been more difficult this week because contractors are outside our property but the car parking has helped a great deal." The car parking concession has been funded by a partnership including Pershore market Town Partnership, Pershore Town Council and Wychavon District Council and will remain in place during High Street roadworks, which are expected to be completed by the end of April.