Not enough shoppers at the McArthurGlen Outlet Village have been using a special park and ride service.

So visitors to the shopping centre will now be able to ride for free, and will also get a discount at shops at the designer outlet centre.

The buses have been put on by Swindon Borough Council and McArthurGlen since late November running from the normally closed Wroughton park and ride site via Wichelstowe to Penzance Way, it is an attempt to ease the traffic blighting the lives of Rodbourne residents.

But after a lower than hoped-for take -up, the fee has been dropped to encourage more people to use it.

Anyone using the service or public transport to get to the outlet village will also receive a 10 per cent discount when they present their dated public transport ticket to the centre’s guest service team.

Cou Maureen Penny, the council’s cabinet member for highways and the environment, said: “The park and ride is a great service for anyone who wants to visit the designer outlet centre and doesn’t want to get stuck in traffic queueing for a space in the car parks, especially in the busy run-up to Christmas.

"It is also one measure we feel could help tackle congestion in the Rodbourne area to benefit local residents.

“The fact it is now free makes it even better, especially when you consider that those using the service can also get a 10 per cent discount on their shopping over the next two weekends when presenting their bus ticket.

“Although an average of 200 people used the park and ride each day a couple of weeks ago, less than a quarter of that number used the service last weekend.

We hope the fact it is now free will tempt more people to use it over the next three weekends and I would encourage anyone who may be planning a shopping trip to the Designer Outlet to give the service a try.”