A MONMOUTH hotelier is offering hungry shoppers an alternative to 'pay-and-display' prior to the new charges being introduced on Cinderhill Street.

Gareth Collins, owner of the Riverside Hotel opposite the car park, is offering his own hotel car park for free to those coming from out of town.

Gareth said: "The residents' car park is normally nearly empty during the day so I have this huge car park which if shoppers want to park in for free then they can. All I ask is that they come in to have lunch in the hotel bar or restaurant on their way in or out.

"People can drive in to Monmouth in the morning to do their shopping and then have lunch in the restaurant before they go home.

"Or if they are coming in the afternoon they can park, have lunch, and then walk into town."

The restaurant offers a set lunch menu for senior citizens at £6.50 for two courses, or £7.95 for three, while new chef Tom Randles has also devised a three-course a la carte dinner for £19.

Gareth, whose hotel has won the Monmouth in Bloom award for best dressed pub for the past two years, added: "We've recently renovated the bar and hopefully customers will be impressed and want to return. I realise the scheme is open to abuse but I will be keeping an eye out for those parking up to go to work."