A RADICAL suggestion to ease parking problems for Winchester businesses has been proposed.

The Chamber of Commerce and City Centre Partnership want to have exclusive access to the top floors of the Friarsgate multi-storey car park.

They say the car park is not currently used to full capacity because the upper levels are closed. City centre manager Graham Love has suggested that 100 spaces be made available solely for business people who would pay about £1,000 a year for a season ticket.

He said: "A guaranteed parking spot right in the heart of the city has to be an attractive proposition for Winchester business. The initiative would open up additional parking currently unavailable in the city.

Mr Love added: "The chamber and city centre partnership feel sure there is demand for such a service and would like to hear from local businesses."

Providing there is sufficient interest from the business sector in Winchester, it is thought that the scheme could be in place before the end of the year.

City Councillor Richard Knasel, member for economy and transport, said: "The council fully supports the scheme."

Mr Love proposes that the council undertake refurbishment works before the scheme.