Parking charges will come into force at The Shires shopping centre, Trowbridge this month to help recoup the cost of a £500,000 refurbishment.

Work to both levels of the 1,000-space car park is due to finish on Thursday with charges introduced on July 21.

The upgrade, which began in April, included resurfacing, new bay markings, pedestrian walkways,improved lighting and disabled parking.

Centre manager Mike Murray said: "The work will be partially financed by the introduction of car parking charges. These will be on a pay and display basis in line with other car parks in the town."

Charges are to be 20p for one hour, 40p for two hours, 50p for three hours and £5 per hour thereafter.

Mr Murray said: "We realise people would prefer not to have to pay but it should make for more efficient use of the facilities for shoppers, especially those going to the Asda supermarket where spaces are often at a premium."

Asda store manager Simon Aitken said: "We would prefer it if shoppers at Asda didn't have to pay for the use of the car park but we realise that improvements were necessary."