The Corporation of Hamilton has opened Bull's Head Parking Lot to motorists for free on Saturdays to encourage more shopping in the city.

Corporation Secretary Roger Sherratt said free parking on Saturdays was a Corporation initiative, adding the city administration is "very aware of the serious difficulties that members of the Chamber of Commerce are facing right now".

Mr. Sherratt added: "Hopefully, this is one way of trying to turn this around a little.

"This is with immediate effect," Mr. Sherratt explained. "We know of the problems facing Hamilton retailers, particularly in light of the down turn in tourism generally, and in light of the tragic events of last week.

"The Corporation has decided to offer free parking at Bulls Head on Saturday's as an incentive to people to come to Hamilton and shop.

"But we also believe this will encourage people who work in the shops and offices who normally park nearer to the centre of the city to move over there as well, which we hope will allow shoppers to use other parking areas, such as City Hall."

Mr. Sherratt added: "This free parking also applies to the ground level parking at the rear of Bull's Head on Laffan Street. The free parking on Saturdays is on a trial basis and we will be monitoring the results."